Thousands Of Pokémon GO Players Are Descending On Illinois This Weekend

Gotta Catch 'Em All: GO Fest Brings 10th Anniversary Celebration to Grant Park

Chicago is once again the center of the Pokémon universe.

This time, they’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Pokémon GO with daily activities running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Grant Park this weekend, starting Friday, June 5th, and wrapping up on Sunday, June 7th.

If you’re headed to Pokémon Go Fest, you can expect to: * Catch special Pokémon * Battle other trainers * Complete quests and challenges you can only do there * Participate in special in-game experiences

READ MORE: 5 Rockford Pokemon Go Inspired Cocktails You Have to Try

Dave Kotinsky, Getty Images

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Dusting Off the Poké Balls in 2026

It’s the kind of thing that makes me want to pick the game back up and give it a “GO” again. I was getting in plenty of steps daily when Pokémon GO originally came out.

There are also other Pokémon-related events across Chicago at Rate Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Field Museum.

Also, bring your money because there’s going to be food, merch, and influencer appearances too.

READ MORE: Apparently People Are Still Playing Pokemon Go and Chicago Had a Glitch-Filled Fest This Weekend

Daniel Boczarski, Getty Images

Avoiding a 2017 Repeat: Will Chicago’s Cell Networks Hold Up?

This isn’t the first time Pokémon Go Fest came to Chicago, if you recall. It was first held in the Windy City in 2017 and quickly became infamous for server outages and technical issues.

Considering that was nine years ago, you have to believe the internet in general has gotten better, but with that many people on their phones playing Pokémon Go all at the same time, it’s anyone’s guess how this works out.

Have you ever been to a festival quite like Pokémon Go Fest before? What’s it called? Tell us all about it.