Pokémon GO launched in July 2016, and its tenth birthday is now close enough to put on the calendar. The official Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party runs from July 6 at 10:00 a.m. to July 12, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
The headline idea is a trip through the game's history. Each day highlights a different era, beginning with 2016 and moving through later years before the celebration ends. That makes this more than a normal birthday event: it is a chance to revisit Pokémon, costumes, and mechanics associated with different stages of the game.
Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary dates
| Event | Local time |
|---|---|
| Starts | July 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. |
| Ends | July 12, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. |
| Daily focus | A different period from Pokémon GO's first decade |
Niantic can adjust event details before launch, so check the in-game Today View and the official anniversary announcement before spending Premium Battle Passes or paid research tickets.
Why the daily themes matter
A rotating theme changes how you should plan the week. Instead of trying to finish everything on day one, first identify which era contains the Pokémon, costume, or resource you care about most.
Use this simple priority system:
- Collection priority: Reserve time for rare costumes or forms you do not already own.
- Candy priority: Pinap Berry targets that need an evolution, second Charged Attack, or power-up.
- Shiny priority: Focus on species with boosted availability or limited event windows.
- Raid priority: Coordinate raid sessions instead of relying on random lobbies.
- Research priority: Finish expiring tasks before longer collection goals.
Anniversary preparation checklist
Clear storage before the event. A week-long celebration can fill both Pokémon and Item Storage surprisingly quickly.
- Transfer obvious duplicates and tag anything that needs a later appraisal.
- Keep at least 150 open Pokémon slots if you expect a long session.
- Stock Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls.
- Save Pinap Berries for rare candy targets.
- Hold a few Star Pieces, Lucky Eggs, and Incense until the final bonuses are confirmed.
- Check your Mega Evolution levels for useful same-type catch candy bonuses.
- Charge a power bank and download offline maps for areas with weak reception.
Build a realistic event route
The strongest route is rarely the longest one. Look for a compact loop with PokéStops, safe pedestrian access, shade, water, restrooms, and dependable mobile coverage. A 30- to 45-minute loop is easier to repeat than a route that leaves you far from your starting point.
iAnyMove can be used for lawful Android location testing and route previewing. It can help you inspect a multi-stop path or estimate movement before a real outing. Using mock-location tools with third-party games may violate their terms, so only use location simulation where you have permission and follow Pokémon GO's rules.
How this connects to GO Fest 2026
The anniversary ends immediately before Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global on July 11 and 12. That overlap makes inventory management especially important. Do not spend every Raid Pass, Incubator, or healing item early in the anniversary week if GO Fest is your main target.
Our Pokémon GO Fest 2026 Global guide covers the larger weekend plan, including Mega Mewtwo and Zeraora priorities.
Frequently asked questions
Is the anniversary event free?
The core event is available to all Trainers. Some optional research or bonuses may require a paid ticket; confirm the final ticket details in the official announcement and in-game shop.
Will old costume Pokémon return?
The event is designed around the game's history, so returning costumes are a major reason to watch the daily schedule. Availability can differ by day and feature, so do not assume every costume will remain active for the full week.
What should new players prioritize?
Build candy, Stardust, and Pokédex progress first. A useful Pokémon with strong IVs or enough candy to evolve is usually more valuable than chasing every possible collectible in one week.
Final advice
Treat the 10th Anniversary Party as a seven-day schedule, not a single grind session. Pick two or three goals, match them to the daily themes, and leave enough resources for GO Fest. That approach will produce a better collection with much less inventory stress.
Information checked on June 15, 2026. Event details are subject to change.
