Pokémon GO: July 2026 Event Schedule Revealed, Featuring GO Fest, New Megas
July 2026 marks Pokémon GO's 10th anniversary, bringing a massive calendar of events. Trainers worldwide can look forward to the free GO Fest 2026: Global, the debut of Mega Mewtwo X & Y, numerous legendary raids, new Mega Evolutions, and a special anniversary party, making it one of the game's busiest months.
Key Highlights
- Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global is free for all trainers, featuring Mega Mewtwo X and Y.
- The 10th Anniversary Party event introduces 10th Anniversary Coin Gimmighoul.
- Legendary raids include Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Kyogre, Solgaleo (shiny debut), and Kyurem.
- New Mega Evolutions like Mega Raichu X and Y, and Mega Sceptile are featured.
- Sobble Community Day kicks off July with special bonuses and an exclusive move.
- The 'Road of Legends' event serves as a major lead-up to GO Fest Global.
July 2026 is poised to be an unprecedented month for Pokémon GO players, commemorating the game's monumental 10th anniversary with an action-packed schedule of events, raids, and new Pokémon debuts. The upcoming festivities, detailed across various credible gaming news outlets, promise a rich experience for trainers globally, solidifying the claim that it is 'packed with raids, festivities and mega evolutions.'
The month kicks off with the **Sobble Community Day** on Saturday, July 4, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. This event will feature increased spawns of the Water Lizard Pokémon, Sobble, alongside attractive bonuses such as 1/4 Egg Hatch Distance and 2x Candy for catching Pokémon. Evolving Drizzile during the event or up to four hours afterwards will grant an Inteleon that knows the exclusive Charged Attack, Hydro Cannon. Additionally, Inteleon will permanently be able to learn its Signature Move, Snipe Shot, as a Charged Attack.
Coinciding with the Community Day is the **10th Anniversary Party**, running from Saturday, July 4, to Monday, July 6. This celebratory event marks the debut of Gimmighoul holding a 10th Anniversary Coin and brings back fan-favorite party hat Pokémon like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
Leading up to the main global event is the **Road of Legends** event, scheduled from Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 10. This preparatory phase for GO Fest 2026: Global will feature a wide array of powerful Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts in raids daily, alongside various event bonuses and GO Pass rewards. Trainers can expect daily Raid Hours and Mega Raid Hours, offering ample opportunities to strengthen their teams and gather resources.
The absolute highlight of July is the **Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global**, a worldwide event running from Saturday, July 11, to Sunday, July 12, from 10 AM to 7 PM local time each day. In a groundbreaking move, this year's GO Fest Global will be entirely free for all Trainers who log in during the event weekend. This means everyone can access the featured Special Research, additional bonuses, and an increased chance of encountering Shiny Pokémon at no cost. The event also marks the highly anticipated global debut of **Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y** in Super Mega Raid Battles. Trainers will be able to earn Mewtwo Mega Energy by defeating these formidable foes and will have the opportunity to encounter Zeraora through a special research quest. Other bonuses include nine free Raid Passes per day by spinning Gym Photo Discs, up to six Special Trades daily, and a halved Stardust cost for all trades.
Following GO Fest, the **Special Anniversary Pikachu Celebration** will run from Monday, July 13, to Monday, July 20. This event will see the return of various costume Pikachus, including Rock Star Pikachu, Pop Star Pikachu, Safari Hat Pikachu, and World Championships 2022 Pikachu, adding a nostalgic touch to the anniversary celebrations.
Mid-month, a special **Super Mega Raichu Raid Day** is set for Saturday, July 18, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. This event introduces Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, offering trainers the chance to encounter these new Mega Evolutions with boosted shiny odds and additional free raid passes.
Additionally, Professor Willow's Birthday Research will take place on Tuesday, July 21, and the **Ozone Ascent** event from Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, July 26, will provide free Timed Research rewarding a Meteorite, essential for Mega Evolving Rayquaza.
The **Legendary Raid** schedule for July is equally robust. From July 1 to 5 and again from July 13 to 14, trainers can challenge Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Kyogre will appear in 5-star raids from July 15 to 21. Following this, Solgaleo will be featured from July 22 to 28, making its shiny debut. The month concludes with Kyurem in 5-star raids from July 29 to August 4. **Shadow Raids** will feature the formidable Shadow Palkia every weekend from July 1 to August 4, offering a challenging encounter and a chance to catch a shiny Shadow Palkia.
**Mega Raids** will see a rotation of powerful Pokémon throughout the month: Mega Lucario will be available from July 1 to 5 and again from July 13 to 14. Mega Sceptile will appear from July 15 to 21, followed by Mega Salamence from July 22 to 28, and finally, Mega Aggron from July 29 to August 4.
Weekly **Spotlight Hours** will offer various bonuses: Pidgey on July 2 (2x Evolution XP), Wingull & Zubat on July 16 (2x Catch XP), and Eevee on July 23 (2x Catch Candy). **Dynamax Battles** will also rotate, featuring Pidove (June 29-July 5), Chansey (July 6-12), Deino (July 13-19), Trubbish (July 20-26), and Feebas (July 26-Aug 2).
Given the intensity of events, trainers are advised to prepare by stocking up on Raid Passes, planning for Community Day to maximize Sobble candy, saving Stardust for powering up Pokémon, and preparing strong counters for Mega Raichu raids. Checking local time zones for events is also crucial to make the most of this packed month.
In conclusion, July 2026 is indeed shaping up to be one of Pokémon GO's most memorable and content-rich months, celebrating a decade of augmented reality adventures with global events, highly anticipated Pokémon debuts, and a continuous stream of challenging raids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest highlights for Pokémon GO in July 2026?
The biggest highlights include the free-for-all Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global event, featuring the debut of Mega Mewtwo X and Y, the introduction of Zeraora, and the game's 10th-anniversary celebrations.
Will Mega Mewtwo X and Y be available to all players?
Yes, Mega Mewtwo X and Y will debut in Super Mega Raids during Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global, which is free for all trainers who log in during the event weekend (July 11-12).
What other new Mega Evolutions are coming in July 2026?
Beyond Mega Mewtwo, July will see the debut of Mega Raichu X and Y during the Super Mega Raichu Raid Day on July 18. Other featured Mega Raids include Mega Lucario, Mega Sceptile, Mega Salamence, and Mega Aggron.
What is the 'Road of Legends' event?
The Road of Legends is a lead-up event from July 6-10, preparing trainers for GO Fest 2026: Global. It features a diverse lineup of Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts in raids, along with various event bonuses.
Which Legendary Pokémon will be featured in raids during July 2026?
Legendary raids include Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Kyogre, Solgaleo (with its shiny debut), and Kyurem. Shadow Raids will also feature Shadow Palkia every weekend.