Pokémon Go live events#Pokémon Go Fest

File:GER Düsseldorf Königsallee 001 2016.jpg, Germany, in August 2016]]

Pokémon Go (or Pokémon GO) is an augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic Labs, based on the Pokémon franchise of Game Freak which began to release in July 2016. The game centers around catching various Pokémon creatures by navigating the in-game map based on the player's actual location and nearby landmarks.{{cite news |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |title=Pokémon Go is now rolling out for iOS and Android |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/5/12102432/pokemon-go-release-date-ios-android-app-available |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Verge |date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327182254/https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/5/12102432/pokemon-go-release-date-ios-android-app-available |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Shortly after its release, the game went viral, breaking multiple records and being installed on millions of devices within weeks of its initial release.{{cite news |last1=Perez |first1=Sarah |title=Pokémon Go tops Twitter's daily users, sees more engagement than Facebook |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-tops-twitters-daily-users-sees-more-engagement-than-facebook/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=TechCrunch |date=13 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321202754/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/13/pokemon-go-tops-twitters-daily-users-sees-more-engagement-than-facebook/ |archive-date=21 March 2019 |url-status=live}} With the game's massive initial player base, landmarks would gather crowds of players taking advantage of the "Pokéstops" which provide player with items, to the point where certain landmarks such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Arlington National Cemetery explicitly requested players to not play the game within the grounds.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Go: US holocaust museum asks players to stay away |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-us-holocaust-museum-asks-players-to-stay-away |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402121528/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/13/pokemon-go-us-holocaust-museum-asks-players-to-stay-away |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live}} On the other hand, the traffic generated by the game was capitalized on by some local businesses.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Pokémon Go to join with business sponsors to get buyers in stores |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/13/12171920/pokemon-go-businesses-pokestops-sponsored |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=13 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416182709/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/13/12171920/pokemon-go-businesses-pokestops-sponsored |archive-date=16 April 2017 |url-status=live}}

During the first weeks after the game's release, multiple events and gatherings organized by the players happened across the world. Examples include a single gathering in Sydney days after the game's launch which attracted over 2,000 players,{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Luke |title=When Over 2000 People Turn Up To Play Pokémon Go |url=https://kotaku.com/when-over-2000-people-turn-up-to-play-pokemon-go-1783425980 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Kotaku |date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621051450/https://kotaku.com/when-over-2000-people-turn-up-to-play-pokemon-go-1783425980 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}} and a Facebook-based bar crawl in San Francisco for the game collected thousands of responses and a significant number of attendees.{{cite news |title=Thousands gather for Pokemon Go event in San Francisco |url=https://abc7news.com/society/thousands-gather-for-pokemon-go-event-in-sf/1435845/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=ABC7 San Francisco |date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006034757/http://abc7news.com/society/thousands-gather-for-pokemon-go-event-in-sf/1435845/ |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}} Another player gathering at Chicago's Millennium Park gathered around 5,000 players.{{cite news |last1=Maffei |first1=Lucia |title=5K people turn up to catch Pokémon in Chicago |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/18/5k-people-turn-up-to-catch-pokemon-in-chicago/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=TechCrunch |date=18 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201020038/https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/18/5k-people-turn-up-to-catch-pokemon-in-chicago/ |archive-date=1 December 2018 |url-status=live}} A zoo in Bristol, which held a Go event, received more attendance than its capacity and had to turn away players.{{cite news |title=Bristol Zoo to hold a second Pokémon Go event |url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-08-02/bristol-zoo-to-hold-a-second-pokemon-go-event/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=ITV News |date=2 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026025216/http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-08-02/bristol-zoo-to-hold-a-second-pokemon-go-event/ |archive-date=26 October 2017 |url-status=live}}

Several months after release, the player count for the game declined, losing some one-third of its peak of 45 million active users by mid-August 2016.{{cite news |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=People are quickly losing interest in Pokémon Go |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/23/12605150/pokemon-go-already-losing-players |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Verge |date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019203456/https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/23/12605150/pokemon-go-already-losing-players |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}} Niantic held the first in-game event – where different Pokémon are encountered in the game and players receive increased rewards – on Halloween of 2016, and the revenue generated by the game spiked during the period.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go Gets a Huge Revenue Boost Thanks to Halloween Event |url=https://www.geek.com/games/pokemon-go-gets-a-huge-revenue-boost-thanks-to-halloween-event-1677654/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Geek.com |date=1 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428075904/http://www.geek.com/games/pokemon-go-gets-a-huge-revenue-boost-thanks-to-halloween-event-1677654/ |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=live}} Go had several more in-game events that year, including on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.{{cite news |last1=Hern |first1=Alex |title=Pokémon Go adds Togepi and Pichu and Christmas Pikachu |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/13/pokemon-go-pichu-togepi-christmas-pikachu |work=The Guardian |date=13 December 2016 |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821120748/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/13/pokemon-go-pichu-togepi-christmas-pikachu |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |title=Pokémon Go Thanksgiving event update – When it ends, using a Lucky Egg and everything else you need to know |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-25-pokemon-go-thanksgiving-event-update-when-does-it-end-lucky-egg |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Eurogamer |date=24 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009154832/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-25-pokemon-go-thanksgiving-event-update-when-does-it-end-lucky-egg |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live}} In one November 2016 event, Niantic increased the spawn rate of the otherwise rare Pokémon Lapras in areas affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, intended to help recover tourism in the area.{{cite news |last1=Ajima |first1=Shinya |title=Rare Pokemon deployed to help recovery in Tohoku quake zones |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/11/national/rare-pokemon-helping-tohoku-quake-zones/#.XKzO4-hKjIU |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Japan Times |date=11 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108042707/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/11/national/rare-pokemon-helping-tohoku-quake-zones/#.XKzO4-hKjIU |archive-date=8 January 2019 |url-status=live}}

Shortly after Go's release, during an interview with Recode, Niantic CEO John Hanke stated that Niantic intended to hold official events, due to their experience with their previous game Ingress. He stated that the intent of the events for Go would be to have "people coming together, having an event that moves you through an interesting part of the city so it's part walking tour, part competition, and then having a big get-together at the end where we're announcing winners [and] leaderboards." He also added that the lack of events in the early stages of the game was to ensure that Niantic could handle the expected large crowds in such events.

{{main|Ingress (video game)#Special events{{!}}Ingress (video game) § Special events}}

Prior to the release of Go, Niantic had developed and released a similar AR game called Ingress. A component of Ingress is a series of real-life events held directly by Niantic across multiple cities. Its first post-beta event series, held in 2013, spanned over 9 weeks and involved 39 cities worldwide.{{cite news |last1=Takakashi |first1=Dean |title=Google Niantic's Ingress augmented-reality game grows with real-time events |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/10/15/google-niantics-ingress-augmented-reality-game-grows-with-real-time-events/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=VentureBeat |date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609203225/https://venturebeat.com/2013/10/15/google-niantics-ingress-augmented-reality-game-grows-with-real-time-events/ |archive-date=9 June 2017 |url-status=live}} The Pokémon Company (TPC) CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara was also an Ingress player, which according to Hanke eased cooperation between Niantic and TPC for Go.{{cite news |last1=Mac |first1=Ryan |title=The Inside Story Of 'Pokémon GO's' Evolution From Google Castoff To Global Phenomenon |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/26/monster-game/#be5ff62356a6 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Forbes |date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009140902/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2016/07/26/monster-game/#be5ff62356a6 |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=live}}

One type of Ingress events is known as "Anomalies", where gathered players in a specific location attempt to control the landmarks to score points for their factions, with clear victory objectives.{{cite news |title=Ingress Anomalies Mix Live Events with In-App Gameplay |url=https://www.argn.com/2014/04/google_ingress_recursion_anomaly_event/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Alternate Reality Gaming Network |date=24 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613105144/https://www.argn.com/2014/04/google_ingress_recursion_anomaly_event/ |archive-date=13 June 2017 |url-status=live}} Anomalies can have attendances of upwards of 1,000 players,{{cite news |last1=Calhoun |first1=Bryan |title=Ingress: The Location Game That Silently Outlasted Pokémon Go – CGMagazine |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/2016/12/13/ingress-the-location-based-game-that-silently-outlasted-pokemon-go/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Computer Gaming Magazine |date=13 December 2016 |language=en-CA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301092009/http://www.cgmagonline.com/2016/12/13/ingress-the-location-based-game-that-silently-outlasted-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live}} and Hanke noted in the 2016 Recode interview that an event in Japan gathered over 10,000.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Eric |title=Full transcript: Niantic CEO John Hanke talks Pokémon Go on Recode Decode |url=https://www.recode.net/2016/10/4/13166612/john-hanke-niantic-pokemon-go-recode-decode-podcast-transcript |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Recode |date=4 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410103148/https://www.recode.net/2016/10/4/13166612/john-hanke-niantic-pokemon-go-recode-decode-podcast-transcript |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Additionally, Ingress also holds monthly "First Saturday" events and #NL1331 meetups (involving a mobile van).{{cite news |last1=Henry |first1=Alan |title=How Ingress, Google's Real-World Smartphone Game, Got Me Out of My Shell |url=https://lifehacker.com/how-ingress-googles-real-world-smartphone-game-got-me-1710320867 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Lifehacker |date=6 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330155357/https://lifehacker.com/how-ingress-googles-real-world-smartphone-game-got-me-1710320867 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

File:Pokemon go fest.jpg

In June 2017, Niantic announced a new "Pokémon Go Fest" event, which was held in Chicago's Grant Park on 22 July 2017 as the game's first official real-life event.{{cite news |last1=Hollister |first1=Sean |title=Pokemon Go's first real-world event hits Chicago on July 22 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-fest-one-year-anniversary-chicago/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=CNET |date=8 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326230518/https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-go-fest-one-year-anniversary-chicago/ |archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Tickets to the event, priced at US$20, were sold out within fifteen minutes of its release for sale, despite the details of the event not having been revealed then. Scalpers were reported to have attempted to resell the tickets through resellers for inflated prices.{{cite news |last1=Beck |first1=Kellen |title=Ticket scalpers are ruining the first-ever 'Pokémon Go' festival |url=https://mashable.com/2017/06/20/pokemon-go-fest-ticket-scalpers/?europe=true |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Mashable |date=20 June 2017 |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011732/https://mashable.com/2017/06/20/pokemon-go-fest-ticket-scalpers/?europe=true |url-status=live }} Later, it was revealed that players worldwide and players at Grant Park would contribute towards a catching target, which would unlock rewards.{{cite news |last1=Plante |first1=Corey |title=The Fate of 'Pokémon GO' Players Around the World Rests With Chicago |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/34096-pokemon-go-fest-chicago-worldwide-challenge |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Inverse |date=12 July 2017 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921041933/https://www.inverse.com/article/34096-pokemon-go-fest-chicago-worldwide-challenge |archive-date=21 September 2018 |url-status=live}}

On the date of the event itself, The Chicago Tribune estimated that 20,000 players attended, some having traveled across the United States or even from abroad.{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Rose |last2=Ellis |first2=Ralph |title=Pokemon Go festival attendees to get refunds |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/07/22/us/pokemon-go-festival-comes-to-chicago/index.html |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=CNN |date=22 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827041326/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/07/22/us/pokemon-go-festival-comes-to-chicago/index.html |archive-date=27 August 2017 |url-status=live}} During the event itself, however, mobile networks in the park overloaded, resulting in the attendees being nearly unable to play the game. Niantic acknowledged the issue by around 2 p.m., and its CEO Hanke was booed when speaking on stage in front of the players.{{cite news |last1=Hern |first1=Alex |title=Pokémon Go fans enraged as first festival ends in connectivity disaster |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/24/pokemon-go-fest-fans-enraged-connectivity-disaster |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327094654/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/24/pokemon-go-fest-fans-enraged-connectivity-disaster |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}} In an attempt to alleviate the network pressure, Niantic extended the in-game event area to two miles outside of Grant Park, and continued the event throughout the weekend. The event in Grant Park was ended on 5 p.m. local time, two hours before it was scheduled. Multiple media outlets called the event a "disaster".{{cite news |last1=Farokhmanesh |first1=Megan |title=I went to Pokémon Go Fest, and it was a disaster |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/25/16019404/pokemon-go-fest-refunds-disaster-review |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Verge |date=25 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090333/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/25/16019404/pokemon-go-fest-refunds-disaster-review |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=After Pokémon Go Fest disaster, Niantic finds some success with outdoor events |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/16/16158586/pokemon-go-fest-pokemon-go-park-event-japan |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134724/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/16/16158586/pokemon-go-fest-pokemon-go-park-event-japan |archive-date=26 November 2018 |url-status=live}} A spokesperson from Niantic remarked that the company's staff were "horrified" with the outcome of the event.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Niantic 'horrified' by Pokémon Go Fest |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16019576/pokemon-go-fest-disaster |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234023/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/24/16019576/pokemon-go-fest-disaster |archive-date=30 July 2018 |url-status=live}}

Immediately after the event, Niantic refunded the tickets of the attendees, in addition to giving their accounts US$100 worth of in-game currency and the legendary Pokémon Lugia, meant to have been released during the event. Niantic released a blog post by Hanke the following day, blaming both technical issues with the game – which was resolved according to the post – and network oversaturation due to insufficient availability of mobile cell sites. Also according to the blog post, 7.7 million Pokémon were captured by players in Downtown Chicago during the ensuing weekend.{{cite web |title=An Update regarding Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago |url=https://nianticlabs.com/blog/gofestupdate072517/ |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=9 April 2019 |date=25 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206103430/https://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/gofestupdate072517/ |archive-date=6 December 2018 |url-status=live}} In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, Hanke remarked that "the first six hours of [Pokémon Go Fest] were among the most challenging of my professional life."{{cite news |last1=Blain |first1=Louise |title=Harsh headlines, failed festivals and, finally, friends: Pokémon Go, two years on |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/aug/20/harsh-headlines-failed-festivals-friends-pokemon-go-john-hanke-niantic |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327094650/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/aug/20/harsh-headlines-failed-festivals-friends-pokemon-go-john-hanke-niantic |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

Later on, a Go Fest attendee Jonathan Norton filed a class action lawsuit to the Circuit Court of Cook County against Niantic.{{cite news |last1=Tassin |first1=Paul |title=Pokémon GO Class Action Says Attendees Owed for Failed Festival |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/815387-pokemon-go-class-action-says-attendees-owed-failed-festival/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Top Class Actions |date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410110612/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/815387-pokemon-go-class-action-says-attendees-owed-failed-festival/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The lawsuit was settled after Niantic agreed to pay US$1.575 million to compensate for non-ticket fees such as accommodation and transportation.{{cite news |last1=Kumparak |first1=Greg |title=Niantic to settle Pokémon GO Fest lawsuit for over $1.5M |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/30/niantic-to-settle-pokemon-go-fest-lawsuit-for-over-1-5m/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=TechCrunch |date=30 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206163716/https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/30/niantic-to-settle-pokemon-go-fest-lawsuit-for-over-1-5m/ |archive-date=6 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

Despite the outcome of the 2017 Go Fest, Niantic announced a second Go Fest to be held again in Chicago, at Lincoln Park, on 7 May 2018. Unlike the previous Fest, the event was held across two days – 14 and 15 July.{{cite news |last1=Fogel |first1=Stefanie |title='Pokémon Go' Fest Returns to Chicago Despite 2017's Disastrous Showing |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-fest-2018-announced-1202801016/ |work=Variety |date=7 May 2018 |language=en |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405150922/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-fest-2018-announced-1202801016/ |archive-date=5 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The area allocated for the event was larger, with attendees being limited to one of the two days, and additional temporary cellular network facilities were provided by major providers.{{cite news |last1=Ji |first1=Leo |title=Pokémon Go developer, cell service providers say they're ready for weekend Fest |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chicago-pokemon-go-fest-cell-service-advice/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=11 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724102410/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chicago-pokemon-go-fest-cell-service-advice/ |archive-date=24 July 2018 |url-status=live}} Like in 2017, tickets for the event sold out rapidly, with tickets running out on the official website within half an hour and scalpers reselling the tickets for increased prices.{{cite news |last1=Gillibrand |first1=Abigail |title=Pokemon GO Fest tickets sell out in half an hour as website suffers problems |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/12/pokemon-go-fest-tickets-sell-half-hour-website-suffers-technical-difficulties-7540128/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Metro |date=12 May 2018 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603022027/https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/12/pokemon-go-fest-tickets-sell-half-hour-website-suffers-technical-difficulties-7540128/ |url-status=live }}

During the event, Lincoln Park was decorated with props resembling various biomes which could be found in the game. As part of the event, Pokémon which are normally rare or only found in other parts of the world spawned in the area. Attendees were also given a chance to complete "Research Quests" in-game in order to encounter the Mythical Pokémon Celebi.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Pokémon Go Fest's surprise new Pokémon is Celebi |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2018/7/14/17572102/pokemon-go-celebi-how-to-catch-pokemon-go-fest-2018 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820235115/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2018/7/14/17572102/pokemon-go-celebi-how-to-catch-pokemon-go-fest-2018 |archive-date=20 August 2018 |url-status=live}} According to Niantic, 21,000 people attended the event in Lincoln Park with an additional 180,000 players in Chicago.{{cite news |last1=Fogel |first1=Stefanie |title=Second Annual Pokémon Go Fest Draws Over 21,000 Attendees |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-fest-2018-attendance-1202874228/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Variety |date=16 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405150925/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/pokemon-go-fest-2018-attendance-1202874228/ |archive-date=5 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The event was seen as largely successful, with relatively few technical difficulties in contrast to the 2017 event.{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Pokémon Go Fest 2018 excised the ghost of Chicago past |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-16-pokemon-go-fest-2018-excised-the-ghost-of-chicago-past |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Eurogamer |date=16 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926102929/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-16-pokemon-go-fest-2018-excised-the-ghost-of-chicago-past |archive-date=26 September 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Yvone |title=Thousands try to catch 'em all at '100 percent' improved Pokémon Go Fest |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-2018-lincoln-park/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=16 July 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724070515/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-2018-lincoln-park/ |archive-date=24 July 2018 |url-status=live}}

A third Go Fest event was announced on 4 April 2019. The 2019 event, unlike the preceding ones, were to be held in three separate cities – Chicago (Grant Park, held between 13–16 June), Dortmund (Westfalenpark, held between 4–7 July) and Yokohama (Yamashita Park, Rinko Park and Akarenga Park, held between 6–12 August).{{cite news |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Pokémon Go Fest 2019 goes global with three events this summer |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2019/4/4/18294404/pokemon-go-fest-2019-dates-locations-cities-tickets |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405154653/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2019/4/4/18294404/pokemon-go-fest-2019-dates-locations-cities-tickets |archive-date=5 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |title=Pokémon Go Global Challenge dates, Go Fest Chicago, Dortmund and Yokohama Global Challenge rewards explained |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-11-pokemon-go-global-challenge-dates-6002 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=6 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 June 2019 |archive-date=6 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706133844/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-11-pokemon-go-global-challenge-dates-6002 |url-status=live }} In the lead-up to the events, Niantic held a "Pokémon Go Snapshot Challenge", centered around the game's augmented reality camera feature, with the contest's main prizes being trips to the Go Fest events.{{cite news |last1=Pelegrin |first1=Williams |title=Niantic announces Pokemon Go snapshot challenge – Android Authority |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/pokemon-go-snapshot-challenge-975809/ |access-date=15 April 2019 |work=Android Authority |date=12 April 2019 |archive-date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415080111/https://www.androidauthority.com/pokemon-go-snapshot-challenge-975809/ |url-status=live }} Tickets for the Chicago event were distributed through a random drawing which followed in-game registration.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Gary |title=Pokemon Go Fest tickets get first drawing for Chicago 2019 |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/1118521/Pokemon-Go-Fest-tickets-drawing-Chicago-2019 |access-date=2 May 2019 |work=Express.co.uk |date=24 April 2019 |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502131538/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/1118521/Pokemon-Go-Fest-tickets-drawing-Chicago-2019 |url-status=live }}

Niantic reported around 60,000 attendees to the Chicago event.{{cite news |last1=Snyder |first1=Chris |title=I spent two days in Chicago with thousands of Pokémon Go fans and had a blast — here's what it was like at this year's Pokémon Go Fest |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-niantic-photos-2019-6 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=Business Insider |date=17 June 2019 |archive-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618131628/https://www.businessinsider.com/pokemon-go-fest-chicago-niantic-photos-2019-6 |url-status=live }} The reported player count in Dortmund was 85,000 in the Westfalenpark across the four days,{{cite news |last1=Fennimore |first1=Jack |title=Dortmund GO Fest Attendance Biggest Ever for a GO Fest |url=https://heavy.com/games/2019/07/dortmund-go-fest-attendance/ |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=Heavy.com |date=9 July 2019 |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012000611/https://heavy.com/games/2019/07/dortmund-go-fest-attendance/ |url-status=live }} and 150,000 players participated in Yokohama.{{cite web |title=An eventful summer wraps up at Pokémon GO Fest 2019 Yokohama |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest-yokohama-2019/ |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=12 October 2019 |date=15 August 2019 |archive-date=12 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012000611/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest-yokohama-2019/ |url-status=live }}

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which limited the capacity for in-person gatherings, Niantic opted for a fully online Go Fest, holding the event worldwide and enabling players to participate in the event at home. It was held on 25–26 July 2020.{{cite news |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=How Pokémon Go has changed ahead of Go Fest 2020 |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2020/7/24/21337512/pokemon-go-fest-changes-pandemic-niantic-interview |access-date=13 April 2021 |work=Polygon |date=24 July 2020 |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413134824/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go/2020/7/24/21337512/pokemon-go-fest-changes-pandemic-niantic-interview |url-status=live }}

The 2021 Go Fest was held on 17–18 July, with a lower ticket price of $5.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go Fest 2021: Ticket Price Reduction, Event Schedule, And More Details |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-fest-2021-ticket-price-reduction-event-schedule-and-more-details/1100-6492088/ |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=GameSpot |date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717060840/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-fest-2021-ticket-price-reduction-event-schedule-and-more-details/1100-6492088/ |url-status=live }} With the pandemic's impact having lessened in parts of the world, the 2021 Go Fest involved at-home events still, but also a number of real-life gatherings in 21 cities across the United States and Europe. Unlike events in 2017–2019, which saw Niantic set up many Pokémon themed builds across the parks, the 2021 events were described as having "a lighter touch", with the locations intended to be more spread out. Each of the 21 locations were still staffed by Niantic personnel.{{cite news |title=Niantic executive does a deep dive into Pokemon Go Fest 2021 City Activations |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/07/01/niantic-executive-does-a-deep-dive-into-pokemon-go-fest-2021-city-activations/ |access-date=17 July 2021 |work=The Mercury News |date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717060305/https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/07/01/niantic-executive-does-a-deep-dive-into-pokemon-go-fest-2021-city-activations/ |url-status=live }}{{efn|The locations were: San Francisco, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York City, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas, Linz, Dresden, Essen, Hamburg, Sevilla, Paris, Warsaw, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London. Auckland, New Zealand was also slated to hold an event, but it was cancelled due to extreme weather.{{Cite tweet |user=PokemonGoApp |number=1415867197935718400 |title=Trainers, due to potentially severe weather the GO Fest City Celebration in Auckland is cancelled. All in-game event activity will continue as planned. As always, be aware of your surroundings!}}}} A special "raid egg" display was set up at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, in reference to the first Go Fest held in the city.{{cite news |title=Mystery Egg Appears in Chicago for Pokemon Go Fest |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-go-egg-chicago-pokemon-go-fest/ |access-date=27 July 2021 |work=ComicBook |date=17 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727044813/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-go-egg-chicago-pokemon-go-fest/ |url-status=live }}

The global part of the 2022 Go fest was held 4–5 June with a finale event 27 August.{{cite web |title=Mark your calendars for Pokémon GO Fest 2022! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest2022-savethedate/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=31 March 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413133028/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest2022-savethedate/ |url-status=live }} A pink flower around the logo hinted that the mythical Pokémon Shaymin would make its Pokémon Go debut.{{cite web |last1=Foley |first1=Shane |title=What are the dates for Pokemon GO Fest 2022? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/news-what-dates-pokemon-go-fest-2022 |website=Sportskeeda |date=2 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |language=en-us |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416064753/https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/news-what-dates-pokemon-go-fest-2022 |url-status=live }} It was officially confirmed later.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Fest 2022: Tickets, Shaymin, and full event details |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest2022-tickets-shaymin-fulldetails/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=27 April 2022 |access-date=28 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427193558/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/gofest2022-tickets-shaymin-fulldetails/ |url-status=live }} There were also in-person events in three cities in different weekends: 1–3 July in Berlin, 22–24 July in Seattle, and 5–7 August in Sapporo.{{fact|date=October 2022}}

The 2023 Go fest had three cities with in-person events, 4–6 August in London and Osaka, and 18–20 August in New York City, as well as a global event 26–27 August.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Fest 2023 |url=https://pokemongolive.com/events/gofest-2023 |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=23 August 2023 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604153342/https://pokemongolive.com/events/gofest-2023 |url-status=live }}

File:GER Oberhausen Centro PokemonGo 01.jpg handed out to attendees of the 2017 Safari Zone at CentrO in Oberhausen, Germany, signalling both attendance of the event and affiliation to one of the three ingame teams (here: Team Instinct)]]

On 12 July 2017, Niantic announced "Safari Zone" events across several cities in Europe at shopping centers operated by Unibail-Rodamco, held in August and September 2017.{{cite news |title=Pokemon GO Safari Zone Update: events around the world! |url=https://www.slashgear.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-update-events-around-the-world-12491310/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=SlashGear |date=12 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231134518/https://www.slashgear.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-update-events-around-the-world-12491310/ |archive-date=31 December 2018 |url-status=live}} The events, where otherwise region-limited Pokémon could be found among others, required registration and had a player limit – for example, the event in Amsterdam was limited to 2,000 players,{{cite news |title=Pokemon GO Safari Zones Have Player Limits |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-player-limit/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Game Rant |date=18 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723065808/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-player-limit/ |archive-date=23 July 2017 |url-status=live}} though unregistered players would still be able to play with increased rewards within the city.{{cite news |last1=Hutson |first1=Curt |title=Pokemon Go: How Safari Zone Events Work |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-how-safari-zone-works/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Game Rant |date=16 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917062323/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-how-safari-zone-works/ |archive-date=17 September 2017 |url-status=live}} However, due to the failure of the 2017 Go Fest event, Niantic delayed some of the Safari Zone events to fall that year.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=More official Pokémon Go events delayed following disastrous Fest |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/31/16068316/pokemon-go-europe-event-dates-canceled |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801000824/https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/31/16068316/pokemon-go-europe-event-dates-canceled |archive-date=1 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

Later in 2017, another Safari Zone event was held in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, at the Tottori Sand Dunes between 24 and 26 November. According to the local government, 89,000 people attended the event which generated around US$16 million in travel and tourism revenue. In the leadup to the event, Niantic brought several influencers in a tour around Japan as a campaign which was named Pokémon Go Travel.{{cite news |last1=Cowley |first1=Ric |title=Pokemon GO generates $16 million in tourism revenue for Japan's Tottori Prefecture in three days |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/67093/pokemon-go-travel-tottori-prefecture/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=pocketgamer.biz |date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710184221/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/67093/pokemon-go-travel-tottori-prefecture |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=live}}

The Summer 2018 iteration of the Safari Zone – announced in conjunction with the 2018 Go Fest as part of a "Summer Tour" – involved a Safari Zone event in Dortmund's Westfalenpark on 30 June and 1 July, and another event in Yokosuka, Japan on 29 August – 2 September.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Gary |title=Pokemon Go news: New Japan event, Shiny Wingull and Squirtle Community Day reward |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/983563/Pokemon-Go-news-Japan-event-Shiny-Wingull-Squirtle-Community-Day-reward |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Express.co.uk |date=4 July 2018 |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603022027/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/983563/Pokemon-Go-news-Japan-event-Shiny-Wingull-Squirtle-Community-Day-reward |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Craddock |first1=Ryan |title=Niantic Announces Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018 For Europe, US And Asia |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/niantic_announces_pokemon_go_summer_tour_2018_for_europe_us_and_asia |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Nintendo Life |date=8 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715130907/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/niantic_announces_pokemon_go_summer_tour_2018_for_europe_us_and_asia |archive-date=15 July 2018 |url-status=live}} The Dortmund event attracted some 170,000 players across the city, thrice the expected amount, with some players reporting network issues during the 2-day event.{{cite news |last1=Schaftnetr |first1=Sandra |title=Pokémon locken 170.000 Spieler nach Dortmund |url=https://www.ruhr24.de/dortmund/pokemon-locken-170-000-spieler-nach-dortmund-152605/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Ruhr24 |date=2 July 2018 |language=de-DE |archive-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513110708/https://www.ruhr24.de/dortmund/pokemon-locken-170-000-spieler-nach-dortmund-152605/ |url-status=live }}

Yokosuka's 2018 Safari Zone event, held in three parks, took up large portions of the city, with speakers playing Go's in-game music and businesses handing out Pokémon merchandise.{{cite news |last1=Goldfarb |first1=Andrew |title=Pokemon Go Took Over a City in Japan for a Massive Safari Zone |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/08/29/pokemon-go-took-over-a-city-in-japan-for-a-massive-safari-zone |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=IGN |date=29 August 2018 |archive-date=21 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921061053/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/08/29/pokemon-go-took-over-a-city-in-japan-for-a-massive-safari-zone |url-status=live }} Niantic reported that 65,000 players went to one of the three parks and that 200,000 users played in Yokosuka during the event.{{cite web |title=An Exciting Yokosuka Safari Zone Wraps Up Pokémon GO Summer Tour 2018! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/globalchallenge-yokosuka/ |website=Pokémon GO Live |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=9 April 2019 |language=en |date=3 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406135109/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/globalchallenge-yokosuka/ |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

A Safari Zone event was held in Chiayi County of Taiwan between 26 February and 3 March 2018, during the Chiayi Lantern Festival. In total, around 200,000 players went to Chiayi – which had a population of around 500,000 – for the event.{{cite news |title=今年燈會最大推手，他如何讓 50 萬遊客湧入嘉義抓寶？ |url=https://technews.tw/2018/03/18/taiwan-lantern-festival-chiayi-pokemon-go/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=TechNews.tw |language=zh-TW |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009105055/https://technews.tw/2018/03/18/taiwan-lantern-festival-chiayi-pokemon-go/ |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Knezevic |first1=Kevin |title=Pokemon Go Lunar New Year Event Happening Right Now For A Limited Time |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-lunar-new-year-event-happening-right-no/1100-6456812/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=GameSpot |date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920183309/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-lunar-new-year-event-happening-right-no/1100-6456812/ |url-status=live }} Between 1 and 5 November 2018, another Safari Zone event was held in Tainan, Taiwan. While initially expected to have 200,000 attendees, the event ended up gathering 560,000 participants, with 80,000 during the last day (a Monday) alone. Around one-tenth of the figure were players from overseas, mainly from Japan and Hong Kong. The event, which generated an estimated NT$ 1.5 billion for the local economy, was the result of a cooperation between Niantic and the local government, though the former did not receive royalties.{{cite news |last1=Everington |first1=Keoni |title=Taiwan hosts 2nd biggest Pokémon GO ever |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3568816 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Taiwan News |date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106134437/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3568816 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |url-status=live}}

The first Safari Zone event of 2019 was held in Porto Alegre, Brazil on 25 January. 130,000 players registered to join the event, though only 25,000 were granted tickets. The event was largely conducted alongside the banks of the Guaíba River.{{cite news |last1=Lopes |first1=Fred |title=Pokémon Go Safari Zone devolve ares de Copa à Porto Alegre |url=https://www.metrojornal.com.br/entretenimento/2019/01/25/pokemon-go-devolve-ares-de-copa-porto-alegre.html |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Metro Jornal |date=25 January 2019 |language=pt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203022605/https://www.metrojornal.com.br/entretenimento/2019/01/25/pokemon-go-devolve-ares-de-copa-porto-alegre.html |archive-date=3 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |title='Pokemon Go' Announces Brazil Safari Zone Event |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/03/pokemon-go-brazil-safari-zone-event/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Comic Book |date=3 January 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203173815/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/03/pokemon-go-brazil-safari-zone-event/ |archive-date=3 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Niantic later also announced another Safari Zone, held between 18 and 22 April at Sentosa, Singapore.{{cite news |last1=Chia |first1=Rachel Genevieve |title=SEA's first Pokemon Go Safari Zone will be held in Sentosa – but you'll only get to play if you're lucky |url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/seas-first-pokemon-go-safari-zone-will-be-held-in-sentosa-but-youll-only-get-to-play-if-youre-lucky/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Business Insider Singapore |date=1 March 2019 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422084744/https://www.businessinsider.sg/seas-first-pokemon-go-safari-zone-will-be-held-in-sentosa-but-youll-only-get-to-play-if-youre-lucky/ |url-status=dead }} 125,000 tickets were issued, 20 percent of those to non-Singaporeans.{{cite news |last1=Chia |first1=Rachel Genevieve |title=Here's what it's like inside Singapore's Pokemon Go Safari Zone – the first place in the world you can catch shiny Lapras and shiny Shuckle |url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/heres-what-its-like-inside-singapores-pokemon-go-safari-zone-the-only-place-in-the-world-you-can-catch-shiny-lapras-and-shiny-shuckle/ |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=Business Insider Singapore |date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422084730/https://www.businessinsider.sg/heres-what-its-like-inside-singapores-pokemon-go-safari-zone-the-only-place-in-the-world-you-can-catch-shiny-lapras-and-shiny-shuckle/ |url-status=dead }} After the event concluded, Niantic reported an attendance of 95,000 players.{{cite web |title=An exciting Sentosa Safari Zone event wraps up! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/sentosa-safari-zone/ |website=Pokémon GO Live |publisher=Niantic Labs |language=en |date=1 May 2019 |access-date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502091750/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/sentosa-safari-zone/ |url-status=live }} Between 20 and 22 September 2019, another Safari Zone event was held in Montreal, Canada, with an attendance of approximately 45,000 players. Tickets for the event were sold out in four hours.{{cite news |title=Gotta catch 'em all at the Pokemon Go Safari Zone |url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/gotta-catch-em-all-at-the-pokemon-go-safari-zone-1.4604829 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=CTV News Montreal |date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011235236/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/gotta-catch-em-all-at-the-pokemon-go-safari-zone-1.4604829 |url-status=live }} Another Taiwanese Safari Zone, held in New Taipei City between 3 and 6 October 2019, saw 100,000 players in the first day and 150,000 in the second, with the city's tourism and travel department estimating a NT$100 million profit generated by the event for local businesses, with around 40 percent of the attendees coming from outside Taiwan.{{cite news |title=150,000 trainers flock to Pokémon Go S... |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3791251 |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Taiwan News |date=5 October 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030135202/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3791251 |url-status=live }}

For 2020, Safari Zone events were scheduled to be held in St. Louis (27–29 March), Liverpool (17–19 April), and Philadelphia (8–10 May).{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Liverpool to host UK's first Pokémon Go Safari Zone |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-01-22-liverpool-to-host-uks-first-pokemon-go-safari-zone |access-date=29 January 2020 |work=Eurogamer |date=22 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130192815/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-01-22-liverpool-to-host-uks-first-pokemon-go-safari-zone |url-status=live }} However, all three Safari Zone events were postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with ticketholders receiving the Safari Zone experience in their own locales during the originally scheduled dates.{{cite web |last1=Lada |first1=Jenni |title=Pokemon GO Safari Zone St. Louis Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns |url=https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-st-louis-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=21 November 2021 |date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121231923/https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-go-safari-zone-st-louis-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/ |url-status=live }} The new dates were 15–17 October 2021 for Liverpool, 29–31 October for Philadelphia, and 12–14 November for St. Louis.{{cite web |title=New dates and details now available for rescheduled Pokémon GO Safari Zone events |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/safarizone-2021/ |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=21 November 2021 |date=2 September 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121231924/https://pokemongolive.com/post/safarizone-2021/ |url-status=live }} 20,000 players attended the in-person event at Sefton Park, in Liverpool,{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Pokémon Go's postponed Liverpool event welcomed 20k fans in-person |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-19-pokemon-gos-postponed-liverpool-event-welcomed-20k-fans-in-person |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=Eurogamer |date=19 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123035550/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-19-pokemon-gos-postponed-liverpool-event-welcomed-20k-fans-in-person |url-status=live }} with thousands also attending the events at Tower Grove Park, St. Louis{{cite news |title=Tower Grove Park welcomes thousands of Pokemon players to the Safari Zone |url=https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/tower-grove-park-welcomes-thousands-of-pokemon-players-to-the-safari-zone/ |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=FOX 2 |date=13 November 2021 |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123035555/https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/tower-grove-park-welcomes-thousands-of-pokemon-players-to-the-safari-zone/ |url-status=live }} and Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.{{cite news |last1=Dwyer |first1=Theo |title=Niantic Comments On Pokémon GO In-Person Events In United States |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/niantic-comments-on-pokemon-go-in-person-events-in-united-states/ |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=Bleeding Cool |date=3 November 2021 |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123035550/https://bleedingcool.com/games/niantic-comments-on-pokemon-go-in-person-events-in-united-states/ |url-status=live }}

In 2022 there were scheduled Safari Zone events in Seville, Spain 13–15 May at Alamillo Park,{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Safari Zone: Seville tickets are available now! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/safari-zone-seville-2022-tickets/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019180854/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/safari-zone-seville-2022-tickets/ |url-status=live }} in Goyang, South Korea 23–25 September at Ilsan Lake Park,{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Safari Zone: Goyang – Tickets available now for South Korea's first Safari Zone event! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemon-go-safari-zone-goyang/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=22 August 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019180856/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemon-go-safari-zone-goyang/ |url-status=live }} in Taipei, Taiwan 21–23 October at Daan Forest Park,{{cite web |title=Tickets available now for Pokémon GO Safari Zone: Taipei! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemon-go-safari-zone-taipei/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=28 September 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019180854/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemon-go-safari-zone-taipei/ |url-status=live }} and in Singapore 18–20 November in Gardens by the Bay.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Safari Zone is coming to Singapore!! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/safari-zone-singapore-2022-annoucement/ |website=Pokémon GO |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019180854/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/safari-zone-singapore-2022-annoucement/ |url-status=live }}

Community Days are monthly worldwide in-game events where certain Pokémon species spawn in large amounts.{{cite news |last1=Locklear |first1=Mallory |title='Pokémon Go' Community Days bring exclusive captures every month |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/12/pokemon-go-community-days-exclusive-captures/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Engadget |date=12 January 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203084906/https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/12/pokemon-go-community-days-exclusive-captures/ |archive-date=3 February 2019 |url-status=live}} An evolution of the featured Pokémon can learn an exclusive event move which is generally stronger than its normal moves. There are also bonuses like more rewards or time for certain activities. Community Days are intended to draw players together especially in major cities,{{cite magazine |last1=Barrett |first1=Brian |title=The Quiet, Steady Dominance of Pokémon Go |url=https://www.wired.com/story/pokemon-go-quiet-steady-dominance/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |magazine=Wired |date=6 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206125828/https://www.wired.com/story/pokemon-go-quiet-steady-dominance/ |archive-date=6 February 2019 |url-status=live}} and the events drew crowds in hotspots such as Seattle's Green Lake and Brighton and Hove's Hove Park.{{cite news |title=Pokémon Go still has the power to bring people together |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-26-in-celebration-of-pokemon-gos-community-day |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Eurogamer |date=27 February 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302073642/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-26-in-celebration-of-pokemon-gos-community-day |archive-date=2 March 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title='I just got a Larvitar:' Why throngs of Pokémon Go players are wandering trails, parks and city streets this weekend |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2018/just-got-larvitar-throngs-pokemon-go-players-wandering-trails-parks-city-streets-weekend/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=GeekWire |date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203193309/https://www.geekwire.com/2018/just-got-larvitar-throngs-pokemon-go-players-wandering-trails-parks-city-streets-weekend/ |archive-date=3 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

The first Community Day was "Pikachu day" on 20 January 2018. In January 2022, Niantic introduced Community Day Classic, a second Community Day bringing back a previously featured Pokémon and the three hour event duration seen pre-pandemic, but with the bonus benefits introduced because of it.{{cite web |title=Community Day Classic: Back to Bulbasaur |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/community-day-classic-bulbasaur-jan22/ |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=4 January 2022 |date=4 January 2022 |archive-date=4 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104180227/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/community-day-classic-bulbasaur-jan22/ |url-status=live }} The April 2022 Community Day also reverted to a 3-hour total duration.{{cite web |title=April 2022 Community Day: Stufful |url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/communityday-april22-stufful/ |website=Pokémon GO |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323173634/https://pokemongolive.com/post/communityday-april22-stufful/ |url-status=live }}

As of Pawmi on 11 May 2025 and Machop on 24 May, 81 Pokémon have been featured (fifteen of them twice and one thrice): Abra, Axew, Bagon (2), Beldum (2), Bellsprout, Bounsweet, Bulbasaur (2), Chansey, Charmander (3), Chespin, Chikorita, Chimchar, Cyndaquil (2), Deino, Dratini (2), Duskull, Eevee (2), Electabuzz, Fennekin, Fletchling, Froakie, Fuecoco, Gastly, Alolan Geodude, Gible, Goomy, Grubbin, Hoppip, Karrablast, Larvitar (2), Litten, Litwick, Machop (2), Magikarp, Magmar, Mankey, Mareep (2), Mudkip (2), Noibat, Oshawott, Pawmi, Pikachu, Piplup, Poliwag, Ponyta, Popplio, Porygon (2), Ralts (2), Rhyhorn, Roggenrola, Roselia, Rowlet, Sandshrew (both Alolan and Kantonian), Seedot, Sewaddle, Shelmet, Shinx, Slakoth, Slowpoke, Snivy, Spheal, Sprigatito, Squirtle (2), Starly, Stufful, Swablu, Swinub (2), Teddiursa, Tepig, Timburr, Togetic, Torchic, Totodile (2), Trapinch, Treecko, Turtwig, Tynamo, Vanillite, Weedle, Wooper, Galarian Zigzagoon.{{cite web |last1=Teraoka |first1=David |title=Pokemon GO Community Day List |url=https://gamepress.gg/pokemongo/pokemon-go-community-day-list |website=GamePress |access-date=20 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807213853/https://www.gamepress.gg/pokemongo/pokemon-go-community-day-list |url-status=live }}

{{Table TOC|2018|2019|2020|2021|2022|2023|2024|2025|prefix=Community Days in_}}

Outside of the events mentioned above, Niantic has held multiple one-off events, official or in cooperation with other organizations. On 7 May 2017, the first real-life event was held in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{cite news |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Pokémon Go's first community event is a hint of the game's future |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/4/15546436/pokemon-go-community-events-2017-outdoors |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=Polygon |date=4 May 2017 |archive-date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021026/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/4/15546436/pokemon-go-community-events-2017-outdoors |url-status=live }} The first such official Go event in Europe was held in Chester in the United Kingdom, on 22–23 July 2017 during the annual Chester Heritage Festival in partnership with local non-profit Big Heritage. It was estimated that during the two days, between 16 and 18 thousand players visited the city.{{cite web |title=Big Heritage and Pokémon GO team up in the ancient city of Chester |url=https://nianticlabs.com/ja/blog/bigheritage/ |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=10 April 2019 |date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410074546/https://nianticlabs.com/ja/blog/bigheritage/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Chester transformed by Pokémon GO heritage festival |url=https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/chester-transformed-by-pokemon-go-heritage-festival/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Place North West |date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410074547/https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/chester-transformed-by-pokemon-go-heritage-festival/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

Between 9 and 15 August 2017, during the Pikachu Outbreak event held by TPC, Niantic held Pokémon Go Park events in two parks within the city of Yokohama, Japan.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Park Events at Pikachu Outbreak |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/yokohamapark/ |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=10 April 2019 |language=en |date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410082644/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/yokohamapark/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} On 14 August, during the aforementioned event, a Pokémon Go Stadium event was held at Yokohama Stadium in which thousands of players attempted to catch Mewtwo.{{cite news |last1=Skrebels |first1=Joe |title=Pokemon Go: 2 Million Players Participated in Pikachu Outbreak Event in Japan |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/08/16/pokemon-go-2-million-players-participated-in-pikachu-outbreak-event-in-japan |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=IGN |date=16 August 2017}} The event was livestreamed.{{cite news |last1=Borkowski |first1=Alex |title='Pokémon Go' will live stream a big "Stadium" event from Japan — and fans are freaking out |url=https://mic.com/articles/183578/pokemon-go-stadium-event-pikachu-outbreak-will-be-streamed-on-aug-14-and-fans-are-freaking-out#.MNeaSbp6F |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Mic |date=10 August 2017 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410082643/https://mic.com/articles/183578/pokemon-go-stadium-event-pikachu-outbreak-will-be-streamed-on-aug-14-and-fans-are-freaking-out#.MNeaSbp6F |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} In total, during the seven days of the event; 2 million players participated in Yokohama, with the Pikachu Outbreak event overall recording 3 million participants including the Go players.{{cite news |last1=Hoffer |first1=Christian |title=Pikachu Festival Passes on Pokemon Go Event Due to Safety Concerns |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/04/19/pokemon-go-pikachu-outbreak-festival-2018/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Comic Book |date=19 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410082641/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/04/19/pokemon-go-pikachu-outbreak-festival-2018/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Due to the disruption to the city's traffic caused by the large numbers of attendees, Yokohama declined to host a Go event the following year.

In partnership with the Knight Foundation, an event was held in Akron, Ohio on 26–27 August 2017.{{cite news |title=Pokemon Go in Downtown Akron {{!}} Events {{!}} Downtown Akron, OH |url=https://www.downtownakron.com/event/pokemon-go-in-downtown-akron |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Downtown Akron Partnership |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090337/https://www.downtownakron.com/event/pokemon-go-in-downtown-akron |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Niantic also partnered with the Viva Calle San Jose event on 17 September 2017,{{cite news |title=San Jose: Viva Calle goes 'Downtown and Eastbound' |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/17/san-jose-viva-calle-goes-downtown-and-eastbound/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=The Mercury News |date=17 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090331/https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/17/san-jose-viva-calle-goes-downtown-and-eastbound/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} and a second iteration of the partnership was held on 23 September 2018.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO is Back! |url=https://www.vivacallesj.org/blog/VCSJ2018_PokemonGO |publisher=Viva Calle San Jose |access-date=10 April 2019 |language=en |date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090337/https://www.vivacallesj.org/blog/VCSJ2018_PokemonGO |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Go also held scavenger hunts in the Philadelphia's 2017 Philly Free Streets{{cite news |last1=Slabbers |first1=Bastiaan |title=In second year, Philly Free Streets route was car-free from Old City to North Philly |url=https://whyy.org/articles/second-year-philly-free-streets-route-car-free-old-city-north-philly/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=WHYY |date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090333/https://whyy.org/articles/second-year-philly-free-streets-route-car-free-old-city-north-philly/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} and in Los Angeles in partnership with CicLAvia on 10 December 2017.{{cite news |last=Kacurov |first=Dejan |title=Pokemon Go CicLAvia event in Los Angeles on December 10, It's Free to Participate |url=https://www.futuregamereleases.com/2017/11/pokemon-go-ciclavia-event-los-angeles-december-10-free-participate/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Future Game Releases |date=30 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090337/https://www.futuregamereleases.com/2017/11/pokemon-go-ciclavia-event-los-angeles-december-10-free-participate/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

Held alongside the annual Pokémon Festa, between 4 and 12 November 2017 Go had an event held across South Korea.{{cite news |last1=Jeffery |first1=Maxwell |title=Pokemon GO Announces a New Event |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-korea-event/ |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=Game Rant |date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090334/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-korea-event/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The event was repeated the following year, centered around the Lotte World Mall in Seoul, between 21 and 23 September 2018.{{cite web |title=Pokémon GO Week in Korea! |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemonfesta2018/ |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=10 April 2019 |language=en |date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090333/https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/pokemonfesta2018/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

On Earth Day of April 2018, an "Earth Day Cleanup" event was launched, which rewarded players globally if sufficient players signed up to join cleanup events across 12 countries.{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Pokémon Go will reward players for picking up trash on Earth Day |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/4/17198854/pokemon-go-earth-day-event-trash-pickup |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=The Verge |date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090331/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/4/17198854/pokemon-go-earth-day-event-trash-pickup |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Niantic reported over 4,200 players signing up with 6,600 kg of trash collected across 19 countries.{{cite web |title=Earth Day Cleanup |url=https://pokemongolive.com/en/events/earth-day/ |website=Pokémon GO |publisher=Niantic Labs |access-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410090333/https://pokemongolive.com/en/events/earth-day/ |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://pokemongolive.com/events Pokémon GO Events]

{{Pokémon video games series}}

{{Niantic Labs}}

Go Live Events

Category:Nintendo events

Category:Video game events