Pokémon GO Fest will return to Grant Park next year for the first time since 2019.
The augmented reality game captured millions of players around the world when it launched in 2016. It allows players to use mobile devices to “hunt” real locations to find and catch Pokémon species, train them and battle with other players.
The festival, which Chicago hosted from 2017 to 2019, will feature immersive game experiences, photo opportunities, merchandise, food and other attractions. Other Pokémon GO Fests are held in cities worldwide.
Pokémon GO Fest organizers reached a two-year agreement with the Chicago Park District, which the Park District Board approved Wednesday, for the event to return in the summer of 2026. A date was not announced.
It’s expected to attract up to 40,000 attendees per day and generate $1 million in permit revenue for the city’s parks, according to the park district.
Festival organizers will also give 10% of its revenue from the fest back to the park district for capital investment in Grant Park, the park district said.
The event will not include live music or alcohol, and organizers will work to optimize public access around Grant Park, “including minimal fencing,” the park district said.
“We recently received approval from the City of Chicago to bring Pokémon GO Fest back to the city, but we don’t have further details to share at this time,” a spokesperson for Pokémon GO said in a statement. “Please stay tuned to Pokémon GO channels for a future announcement on our plans for Pokémon GO Fest 2026.”
Pokémon GO has hosted other events in Chicago in the years since the fest took place in Grant Park. In 2021, a large egg placed at Maggie Daley Park was part of a global, virtual event for players.