Every year, Trainers around the world look forward to one of the biggest celebrations in the game — Pokémon GO Tour. Whether you're a shiny hunter, raid enthusiast, or Pokédex completionist, this annual event delivers exclusive Pokémon, boosted spawns, special research, and unforgettable community moments. If you're wondering what Pokémon GO Tour is, when Pokémon GO Tour is in 2026, and what to expect from Pokémon GO Tours, this guide covers everything.
- Part 1. What Is Pokémon GO Tour?
- Part 2. When Is Pokémon GO Tour in 2026?
- Part 3. Tips to Prepare for Pokémon GO Tour
- Part 4. Conclusion
Part 1. What Is Pokémon GO Tour?
The Pokémon GO Tour is a large-scale, themed global event in Pokémon GO that celebrates a specific main-series Pokémon region. Inspired by titles like Pokémon Red and Blue, Gold and Silver, and later generations, each Tour highlights Pokémon originally discovered in that region, along with themed research, raids, shiny debuts, and special bonuses.
The concept first gained massive popularity during Pokémon GO's Kanto Tour, which celebrated the original 151 Pokémon. Since then, Niantic has continued the tradition with Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh-themed Tours, combining global ticketed gameplay with optional in-person live events in select cities. Key features typically include:
- All Pokémon from the featured region appearing in the wild, raids, or research
- New shiny debuts and sometimes new Legendary or Mythical encounters
- Regional Pokémon available globally for a limited time
- Increased shiny rates for ticket holders
- Exclusive Special Research lines
- Collection Challenges
For many players, Pokémon GO Tour is the highlight of the year to complete regional Pokédex entries and hunt for rare shinies. To join the event, the Pokémon GO Tour Pass is essential. As in previous years, the Tour Pass comes in two versions:
- Free ticket – automatically granted to all Trainers a few days before the event. It provides access to basic event spawns, standard tasks, and limited bonuses.
- Paid ticket (Tour Pass Deluxe) – unlocks boosted shiny rates, exclusive Special Research, extra raid passes, and other premium rewards. Prices in previous years have ranged from $5 to $15 USD, depending on included bonuses and bundled items. The paid pass significantly increases the chance of encountering shiny Pokémon and completing the event Pokédex efficiently. Players can purchase it directly through the in-game shop to ensure access to all event features and rewards.
Part 2. When Is Pokémon GO Tour in 2026?
Niantic typically schedules Pokémon GO Tour events in late February to coincide with Pokémon Day. According to official announcements, the next 2026 Tour will be Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos. Here's everything you need to know about this upcoming event.
01Date
February 28 – March 1, 2026
02Major Debuts
- Mega Dragonite (Super Mega Raids debut)
- Mega Victreebel (Feb 28)
- Mega Malamar (March 1)
- Shiny Diancie (ticketed Masterwork Research)
- Shiny Honedge, Hawlucha, Klefki
03Wild Spawns
The Wild Spawns event features rotating habitats, Central Village, Mountain Manor, and Coastal Laboratory, where Pokémon like Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Skiddo, Noibat, Ralts, and Eevee appear more often. Shiny rates are boosted for the starter Pokémon and costumed Pikachu.
04Raids
- One-Star: Honedge, costumed Pikachu
- Five-Star: Xerneas, Yveltal, Mega & Super Mega Raids, Mega Dragonite, Mega Victreebel, Mega Malamar
05Eggs
Event Eggs can hatch Larvitar, Bagon, Beldum, Gible, Klefki, and Hawlucha. Incense can attract Unown in the A, K, L, O, and S forms.
06Bonuses
- For All Trainers:
- For Ticket Holders:
1/2 Hatch Distance, mega CP boost, up to 6 Special Trades per day, and 1/2 Stardust trade cost.
Increased shiny odds, snapshot encounters (Latias Saturday, Latios Sunday), branching Special Research (choose Xerneas or Yveltal background), and furfrou Trim Timed Research.
07Tickets & Research
- Optional global event ticket (Web Store)
- Regional real-world event tickets (Tainan & Los Angeles)
- Masterwork Research for Shiny Diancie
- Branching Special Research (choose Xerneas or Yveltal background)
- Timed Research featuring Furfrou Trim selections
Part 3. Tips to Prepare for Pokémon GO Tour
Preparation is the key to maximizing rewards during Pokémon GO Tour. These events are time-limited and often packed with rotating habitats, exclusive raids, and collection challenges. Running out of Poké Balls or storage space can quickly ruin your momentum. So, you can start preparing at least two weeks before the event by:
- Expanding Pokémon storage
- Clearing item bag space
- Saving premium raid passes
- Stockpiling Ultra Balls and Berries
- Coordinating raid groups in advance
For players unable to attend live event locations or regional hotspots, a location-changing tool like MagFone Location Changer can be very useful. It lets you simulate movement or teleport to high-activity areas, giving access to dense spawn points, raid hubs, and event Pokémon during Pokémon GO Tour. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use this tool effectively to maximize your in-game progress.
MagFone Location Changer
Easily change your GPS location on iOS and Android devices to anywhere with one click, while not requiring root or jailbreaking!
Step 1 Set Up MagFone and Link Your Device
Install MagFone Location Changer on your computer and launch the application. Connect your smartphone using a USB cable or a stable wireless connection. Make sure developer options are enabled on your device if required. Once connected, choose the preferred movement mode, such as teleport or route simulation, inside the dashboard.
Step 2 Change Location in Pokémon GO Tour
Use the built-in search bar to enter your desired coordinates or browse the interactive map manually. After selecting a hotspot known for high Pokémon activity, confirm your selection and initiate the location update. Your in-game avatar will reflect the new GPS position, allowing you to explore that area during the tour.
Part 4. Conclusion
Pokémon GO Tour 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting global events yet. Trainers can expect boosted shinies, legendary raids, regional access, and exclusive research rewards in these tours. By preparing early, managing resources wisely, and planning your strategy, you can turn this limited-time celebration into one of your most productive and enjoyable Pokémon GO experiences.
Olivia Wood
Editor in chief
