Chicago is preparing for a summer spectacle that promises nostalgia, chaos and unexpected serenity. Pokémon GO Fest will return to Grant Park in 2026, bringing the city’s streets to life with digital creatures, immersive quests and tens of thousands of players navigating the city in pursuit of the elusive Pikachu.

Pokémon GO Fest first landed in Chicago in 2017, an event remembered for network crashes and mass refunds. At the time, we called it "a complete fiasco" as attendees showed up only to find themselves locked out of the game.

The new format, coming June 5-7, 2026, aims to repair past mistakes while pushing the event into uncharted territory. The Chicago Park District granted Niantic a two-year permit with the option to extend, and attendance will be capped at 40,000 per day

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