For Pokémon fans, July 2026 is one of the biggest months in Pokémon GO’s history. The game is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with limited-time events, a free global GO Fest, new Raid Bosses, Community Day, Spotlight Hours, and several special in-game celebrations.
Developer Niantic has packed the month with content. From anniversary celebrations and GO Fest to legendary raids and the debut of new Mega Evolutions, you have plenty of reasons to log in every day.
If you’re planning to grind XP, hunt Shinies, or complete your Pokédex, here’s everything you need to know.
Pokémon GO July 2026 Event Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 4 | Sobble Community Day |
| July 4-6 | Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party |
| July 6-10 | Road of Legends |
| July 11-12 | Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global |
| July 13-20 | Special Anniversary Pikachu Celebration |
| July 18 | Special event (details announced in-game) |
| July 21-27 | Late July themed event |
| Every Tuesday | Spotlight Hour |
| Every Wednesday | Raid Hour |
The exact rewards for some late-July events are expected to unlock following GO Fest Global.
Sobble Community Day
The first major event of the month arrives on July 4, featuring Sobble as the Community Day Pokémon.
The event runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, giving Trainers greatly increased Sobble spawns and an excellent opportunity to catch its Shiny form.
Players who evolve Drizzile into Inteleon during the event, or shortly afterward, will receive an Inteleon that knows the exclusive Charged Attack Hydro Cannon.
Inteleon also gains access to its signature move, Snipe Shot, making this Community Day especially valuable for competitive players.
These are the bonuses that will be included:
- 1/4 Egg Hatch Distance
- Increased Candy rewards
- Higher Shiny encounter rate
- Exclusive event research
Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party
It will be running from July 4 to July 6; the anniversary celebration marks ten years since Pokémon GO first launched.
The event introduces several returning costume Pokémon alongside the debut of Gimmighoul holding a 10th Anniversary Coin.
There will be Anniversary-themed Field Research, costume Pokémon, Event-exclusive encounters, Special bonuses, and increased rewards.
The celebration overlaps with Sobble Community Day, which will make the opening weekend of July one of the busiest periods of the month.
Road of Legends Event
From July 6 through July 10, the Road of Legends event continues the anniversary festivities.
Although the event focuses on Legendary Pokémon and special raid encounters, additional bonuses and research tasks will be available throughout the week.
If you are interested in completing raid collections should make time for this event before GO Fest begins.
Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global
The biggest event of the month takes place on July 11 and July 12. For the first time, Pokémon GO Fest Global is free for every Trainer.
Everyone who logs in during the event can participate in the following events:
- Special Research
- Increased Shiny encounters
- Exclusive Pokémon spawns
- Special raids
- Event bonuses
- Global challenges
Lure Modules last longer during the event, while Incense attracts special Pokémon throughout the weekend.
Premium ticket upgrades will be available for players who want additional rewards, but the core event is completely free.
Special Anniversary Pikachu Celebration
Beginning on July 13, Pokémon GO continues celebrating its tenth anniversary with another themed event centered around Pikachu.
The event introduces additional costume Pokémon, themed encounters, and anniversary bonuses while extending the celebration beyond GO Fest weekend.
More detailed rewards are expected as the event approaches.
Legendary Raid Schedule
July’s Legendary Raid rotation features several fan-favorite Pokémon throughout the month.
Highlights include:
- Articuno (July 1-5, July 13-14)
- Zapdos (July 1-5, July 13-14)
- Moltres (July 1-5, July 13-14)
- Kyogre (July 15-21)
- Solgaleo (July 22-28)
- Kyurem (July 29-August 4)
Raid Hours continue every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, giving Trainers another opportunity to catch Legendary Pokémon with increased participation from local communities.
Mega Raids
Mega Evolution fans also have plenty to look forward to.
Mega Raid rotations throughout July feature powerful Mega Pokémon, including Mega Aggron, alongside other returning Mega Evolutions.
These raids remain one of the best ways to earn Mega Energy while strengthening raid teams.
Mega Raids schedule
- Mega Lucario (July 1-5, July 13-14)
- Mega Sceptile (July 15-21)
- Mega Salamence (July 22-28)
- Mega Aggron (July 29-August 4)
Shadow Raids
Shadow Raids continue throughout July, with plenty of opportunities to battle powerful Shadow Pokémon.
Shadow Palkia
It will be available from July 1 to August 4, 2026 (weekends).
Shadow Palkia will be featured as the 5-Star Shadow Raid Boss during weekends throughout this period. Trainers will need to work together to defeat this powerful Legendary Pokémon and can use Purified Gems to weaken it during battle.
Alongside Shadow Palkia, the regular rotation of 1-Star and 3-Star Shadow Raids will continue, offering additional Shadow Pokémon encounters and rewards throughout the month.
Max Battles Schedule
Max Battles return throughout July with a new Dynamax Pokémon featured each week. In addition, every Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, the featured Dynamax Pokémon will take over Power Spots as part of Max Monday.
| Featured Dynamax Pokémon | Dates |
|---|---|
| Dynamax Pidove | June 29 – July 5 |
| Dynamax Chansey | July 6 – July 12 |
| Dynamax Deino | July 13 – July 19 |
| Dynamax Trubbish | July 20 – July 26 |
| Dynamax Feebas | July 27 – August 2 |
Throughout Max Mondays, players can earn additional rewards, including Rare Candy XL from in-person Max Battles, while more Power Spots than usual will appear across the map.
Max Battles are available from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM local time, with the featured Max Monday encounter taking over Power Spots between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time.
Spotlight Hours
Every Tuesday in July features a new Spotlight Hour with boosted appearances for a featured Pokémon.
You can also enjoy rotating bonuses such as:
- Double Stardust
- Double XP
- Double Catch Candy
- Double Transfer Candy
Spotlight Hours is one of the fastest methods for farming Stardust and experience points.
Research Breakthrough Rewards
July also brings updated Research Breakthrough rewards; it gives you another reason to complete daily Field Research tasks throughout the month.
Combined with anniversary events, GO Fest, and Community Day, daily research becomes even more rewarding during July.
Tips for July 2026
With so many events packed into a single month, Trainers should prepare ahead of time.
Save plenty of Poké Balls, Incense, Raid Passes, Lucky Eggs, and Star Pieces before GO Fest weekend.
Clearing Pokémon storage and item space in advance will also help during Community Day and anniversary events, where catching hundreds of Pokémon is common.
If you’re planning to participate in Legendary Raids, coordinate with local communities to maximize raid opportunities throughout the month.
