Pokémon GO Fest Chicago opened at Grant Park on Friday with crowds lining up early to enter the three-day event, marking the game’s biggest annual gathering in the Windy City since 2019.
Quick Facts
- Event runs June 5–7, 2026, at Grant Park
- Tickets cost $33 per day
- Daily attendance capped at 40,000 trainers
- Last Chicago Pokémon GO Fest was held in 2019, seven years ago
Thousands of trainers from around the world descended on Grant Park on Friday to enjoy exclusive gameplay, explore different Pokémon habitats, and participate in raids and special encounters. CBS Chicago reported that crowds lined up early to get into the park as the event kicked off.
The festival runs through Sunday with park gameplay sessions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT. Organizers implemented stricter crowd management this year after the 2017 inaugural Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago was plagued by long lines and app glitches that sparked a lawsuit.
The event coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Pokémon GO, and attendees can expect encounters with new Pokémon species, photo opportunities, food trucks, and specialty merchandise. The gaming festival also features citywide gameplay beyond Grant Park, giving ticket holders access to raids and spawns throughout Chicago.
Sources
- CBS News Chicago — reported crowds lining up early Friday and thousands attending from around the world
- Pokémon GO Live — confirmed event dates June 5–7, 2026, at Grant Park and ticket price of $33
- WTTW News — reported daily attendance cap of 40,000 people
- Instagram (secret.chicago) — noted last Chicago Pokémon GO Fest was in 2019, seven years ago
