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Pokémon Go Fest 2023 Is A Reminder The Game Is Meant For A Big City

For a rural trainer in new york city, playing pokémon go with thousands of people is a beautiful, conflicting experience.

Pokémon Go Fest 2023 was a surreal experience for someone who has only had a passing relationship with the mobile ‘mon collecting game since it launched in 2016. On the bus back to Manhattan from Randall’s Island Park, I sat surrounded by people from all walks of life brought together by Pokémon Go . The crowded bus was full of trainers. In my immediate proximity was a child around the same age as I was when I watched my first episode of the Pokémon anime, a 70-year-old woman who came down to New York from Canada to gather with other Trainers, and someone in their twenties who was giving out homemade Trading Card Game packs (thanks for the cards, JesPressPlay !). At that moment, I felt connected with the Pokémon community in a way I hadn’t in a long time. When that connection is being facilitated by a game you haven’t been able to play much since it launched, however, it brings a swell of complicated emotions.

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I’m a recent New York transplant, but I lived most of my life in a very small town in Georgia. Pokémon Go took off there like it did everywhere else, but it dropped off hard when it became clear the app’s infrastructure wasn’t built for small towns. That’s still the case, and has only been made worse with developer Niantic rolling back changes made at the start of the covid-19 pandemic that made it easier for disabled and rural players to engage with the game . Pokémon GO was a game tailor-made for me, a Pokémon sicko, but it wasn’t made with people who lived in that small Georgia town in mind.

Pok é mon Go Fest was more accessible than the game

To Niantic’s credit, Go Fest was accommodating to disabled players—It was both compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and had specific options in place to ensure catching event-exclusive Pokémon was feasible, even for those using mobility devices. Niantic told Kotaku that the company specifically made it so that all the event’s content could be accessed from Randall’s Island Park’s paved pathways, and didn’t require attendees to move across the grassy areas in order to participate. The event organizers also arranged for a mobility device charger to be on-site should anyone using a powered mobility assistant need one, as well.

It’s clear that, after years of doing this, Niantic has learned a lot about how to run an event like Pokémon Go Fest. Mark Van Lommel, the company’s communications director, told Kotaku that each year since the disastrous Chicago 2017 event that was plagued by connectivity issues has been a learning experience. While there were stumbles that you can’t account for, the New York Go Fest felt like it was built on a much stronger foundation than previous events. Van Lommel said having better relationships with mobile service providers was a huge help, which is why the company was able to resolve an issue for Verizon customers quickly. Players who had a Verizon membership ran into an outage during the event, and Niantic worked with the provider to resolve the issue and then extended its city-wide event for an additional three hours.

My first Pok é mon Go Fest

Because this was my first Go Fest, I do feel like I got a rather rosy image of what it can be, rather than the uglier picture of what it’s been. The New York event, despite its stumbles, was a joy to experience, even as a person who hasn’t been able to play Pokémon Go . As I was heading into the event, I knew I was getting closer when I started to see other people in Pokémon merchandise and we’d exchange knowing nods. I talked with other long-time trainers who asked to trade, and I would, embarrassed, explain I hadn’t put a ton of time into the game over the years, but I would be glad to send them friend requests and show them what I had while we stood in line to take pictures with the Pikachu and Eevee mascots. Eventually, those conversations extended beyond Go and the event, and we talked about the general Pokémon fandom. How did you like Scarlet and Violet ? Who’s your favorite Pokémon ? Everyone, from the youngest kid to the oldest adult, has an answer, and it was often different from the last person you asked.

Welcome to Exp. Share, Kotaku ’s Pokémon column in which we dive deep to explore notable characters, urban legends, communities, and just plain weird quirks from throughout the Pokémon franchise.

Pokémon is an incredibly expansive franchise and that’s part of its magic. From video games to anime to trading cards to merchandise , what started out as a pair of RPGs on the Game Boy has become so multifaceted, the experience of being a Pokémon fan means something different to everybody. Even as Kotaku ’s resident Pokémon sicko who writes about the series every week for this column, it’s impossible for me to keep up with everything.

In the grand scheme of things, Pokémon Go ’s not my favorite take on the series’ collectathon. Even in the times that I’ve managed to get Go to work for me while visiting other cities or casually booting it up now that I live in NYC, it does feel a little jarring to mindlessly catch Pokémon without the narrative component that makes catching them more meaningful in the mainline games. But I understand that for some, filling up the Pokédex is the main draw of Pokémon games. However, it’s a strange feeling standing in a park with people just as passionate as you about the little yellow mouse and all his friends and realizing that, until now, you missed out on a communal experience because you didn’t live in a city.

There aren’t a ton of video game properties that can pull off a dedicated event and draw people in like Pokémon can. Go Fest brought in over 70,000 attendees from all around the world to Randall’s Island Park, and that’s not even accounting for the London and Osaka events that occurred earlier this month. By design, American events on this scale naturally gravitate to cities that can accommodate many people traveling to a central location, and by extension, Pokémon Go is built for walkable cities.

Niantic has a digital alternative for those who can’t make it out, but none of that can match the collective experience of standing next to strangers and asking if they’ve got any cool Pokémon to trade while a giant Eevee balloon sways in the wind overhead. Go Fest made me appreciate what it’s like to live in a big city, while simultaneously resentful of how so much infrastructure in America funnels into these huge metropolitan areas while rural areas are fighting for scraps and recognition.

As I sat on the bus with all those people who have been collecting and catching Pokémon on their phones for years, I felt connected but still isolated. They each had stories of the places they’d traveled to play Pokémon Go , of the people and Pokémon they met on those travels, yet my only anecdote from the game is when I circled my Georgia backyard waiting for a Pikachu to spawn for my starter. He’s still marked as my “buddy” walking alongside my avatar in the game, and I want to start going on adventures alongside him in New York City. But as I leave Go Fest, it feels like it’s too late. I imagine this is what folks who have come into the franchise nine generations in might feel like about the prospect of “catching ‘em all,” because it all sounds so overwhelming. I don’t know if 2023 is the time to get into Pokémon Go , but being around people who love Pokémon as much as I do at Go Fest made me feel like it’s at least worth a try.

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Pokémon GO Fest will bring 70,000 players to New York City to ‘catch ’em all!’

For the first time since its launch in 2017, the annual Pokémon GO Fest is coming to Randall’s Island and other parts of the Big Apple for in-person hunting and scavenging for rare Pokémon and community building across all the players, or trainers, as they are called in the Pokémon world. Around 80% of the Pokémon GO Fest attendees will be arriving to New York City from out of town.

Pokémon GO trainers will use their mobile app to navigate around the city’s plazas, boulevards, and green spaces in search of as many Pokémon creatures as they can find. Randall’s Island Park, which will have four “physical Pokémon habitats” to explore and photo opportunities using augmented reality, will serve as the main venue for trainers.

Michael Steranka, director of Pokémon GO, told amNewYork Metro that Niantic Labs, the Pokémon GO game developers, is unique in what it brings to its fan base. The app has been downloaded more than one billion times, according to the company.

“Our games are rooted in the real world and very different from any other mobile, console, or PC game that players can enjoy,” Steranka said. “We really feel like live events are kind of a unique opportunity for players to engage.”

“We work very closely with cell providers to make sure that the cellular connectivity is strong and ample for the tens of thousands of players catching  Pokémon  throughout the event space,” Steranka said.

Pokémon GO Fest trainers will be challenged to catch new Pokémon — shiny and mythical — being released through the app, including those being released early in New York City before anywhere else in the world.  Trainers will be able to catch more than 50 different Pokémon species.

“One of the most exciting Pokémon that’s going to be debuting in New York as an early access for players is Mega Rayquaza, which is a huge fan favorite,” Steranka said. “It’s a great opportunity for people who either have never played Pokémon GO or maybe haven’t played in a while to get into the game because you’ll get a huge jump start on your account.”

New York City continues to be one of the most popular places to play Pokémon GO, with a high density of “PokéStops” and “gyms,” according to Steranka. The festival will not only revolve around the thrill of the hunt, but also the opportunities to explore New York City’s food, art, and culture. 

Steranka shared memories of people proposing to their significant others at Pokémon GO festivals, including one couple spending they first leg of their honeymoon flying from London to Osaka and now to New York City to continue their celebrations. 

Dali Bains and Anne Bains, the recently-married couple on their honeymoon, will be in New York City for all three days of the festival to catch Pokémon and catch up with trainer friends they’ve met at past Pokémon GO festivals.

Anne has since jumped on the bandwagon and continues to accompany her husband on trips around the world to catch Pokémon that may be exclusive to a certain city. In New York City, the Bains have their eyes on the big parks.

Dali said there are now places he’s been for P okémon Go that he otherwise would not have gotten a chance to see, if not for his love of “collecting things.”

“It gives me that added reason to actually go out and both explore the city as well as playing a game that I enjoy, and more importantly, playing a game that other people are enjoying,” Dali said.

Steranka shared the three primary creative pillars holding up Pokémon Go: real world social interactions, exploration, and exercise. He said that when people travel around the world for the festivals, there’s a real opportunity here to discover a brand new city or if you’re a local, a brand new park, through the lens of a beloved game.

“We really believe that the total gameplay experience for Pokémon Go isn’t just what happens on your phone,” Steranka said.”Oftentimes folks are are walking essentially for eight hours straight. It’s just an incredibly unique and fun experience that no other game really offers.”

There are still tickets available for Friday and Sunday for New Yorkers to join in on the fun and can be purchased for $30 at: gofest.pokemongolive.com .  

About the Author

Sarah Belle Lin

Sarah Belle Lin covers education and general assignments for amNewYork Metro.

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Ticket Holder Exclusives

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global

July 13 and 14, 2024.

The biggest Pokémon GO event of the year is almost here, and the adventure is going global! Join up with millions of other Trainers from around the world and get ready for Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global!

Over 70 Pokémon will appear during the event, plus special costumed Pokémon, bonuses, and more.

Trainers can participate in this global event at no cost from anywhere in the world! You can also upgrade your experience with an event ticket, available now via the in-game shop or the Pokémon GO Web Store . Trainers with an event ticket will receive special bonuses and rewards, including an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow!

Trainers who purchase their ticket from the Pokémon GO Web Store will receive an exclusive GO Fest 2024 shirt avatar item color.

Featured Highlights

Espeon wearing a day scarf and Umbreon wearing a night scarf will be attracted to Incense for ticket-holding Trainers during GO Fest 2024: Global.

Necrozma, the Prism Pokémon, will make its worldwide Pokémon GO debut in raids during Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global!

Purchase a global ticket from the Pokémon GO Web Store to receive the exclusive GO Fest 2024 Tee avatar item in an exclusive color! And remember: your first purchase on the web store gets a 15% discount!

• Buy tickets

Head to Niantic Supply and purchase your event T-shirt to have it in time for GO Fest 2024: Global on July 13 and July 14, 2024!

Trainers who purchase a Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global ticket by May 6—and play Pokémon GO between April 30 and May 6—will receive Timed Research that awards early access to a GO Fest–themed avatar item: a Sun Crown!

Plus, all Trainers who purchase by June 6 —and play Pokémon GO between May 31 and June 6—will receive Timed Research that awards an additional avatar item: a Moon Crown! Trainers who bought a ticket before May 6 will receive this one as well, for a total of two Timed Research opportunities!

After its appearances in Sendai, Madrid, and New York City, the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow will make its global Pokémon GO debut on the first day of Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global.

Ticket-holding Trainers will be able to complete exclusive Special Research to learn more about the Gloomdweller Pokémon—and have an opportunity to encounter it!

Trainers will only encounter Marshadow once no matter how many Pokémon GO Fest 2024 Special Research stories they acquire and complete. If you obtained a Special Research from an in-person 2024 GO Fest event, you will receive Marshadow Candy as the final reward for the global GO Fest 2024 Special Research instead of another Marshadow.

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global attendees will be able to encounter Shiny Jangmo-o for the first time in Pokémon GO—if they’re lucky!

All Trainers can enjoy the following benefits during Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global, whether they have a ticket or not!

Special Pokémon will appear in the wild!

For all Trainers, special Pokémon will appear in four unique habitats, which will rotate hourly during the event!

The following Pokémon will appear in raids during GO Fest 2024: Global!

Upgrade your GO Fest experience!

You can purchase a Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global ticket to upgrade your GO Fest experience! Ticket holders will receive exclusive content, bonuses, and more—including an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow!

Trainers who purchase their ticket from the Pokémon GO Web Store will receive an exclusive GO Fest 2024 shirt avatar item in an exclusive color.

All Trainers can enjoy the following during Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global, whether they have a ticket or not!

Wild Encounters

All Pokémon that appeared in the wild during the first day of the event will also appear during event hours on the second day. There are no rotating habitat hours on the second day, so these Pokémon may appear at any time!

Bonuses and Features

All Trainers will receive the following bonuses and rewards during event hours.

Pokémon GO Fest 2024 T-shirts

We’re ultra-excited to reveal that the Pokémon featured on the official Pokémon GO Fest 2024 T-shirt will be Necrozma! You’ll be able to commemorate your GO Fest 2024 experience and show your love for the Prism Pokémon with this awesome T-shirt!

The GO Fest 2024 T-shirt is available now, while supplies last!

You can upgrade your Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global experience with a paid ticket to unlock exclusive content, rewards, bonuses, and more!

On Saturday, ticket-holding Trainers will be able to complete exclusive Special Research to learn more about the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow—and have an opportunity to encounter one!

On Sunday, ticket-holders will then receive additional Special Research focused on Necrozma!

Global Challenge Arena

During each habitat hour on Saturday, ticket-holding Trainers around the world will be able to work together to complete a challenge! If the challenge is completed in time, a special bonus will be unlocked for the remainder of the hour for ticketed Trainers!

Incense Encounters

For ticket holders, the following Pokémon will be attracted to Incense—excluding Daily Adventure Incense—during event hours.

Exclusive Bonuses

Stay tuned.

We will be sharing more exciting details as the event approaches. Stay tuned for additional information over the next few months!

July 13 and July 14, 2024

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. local time

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global tickets are US$14.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency, plus any applicable taxes and fees). They are available for purchase via the in-app shop or Pokémon GO Web Store until Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. local time. Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. Tickets to this event are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global tickets are now available in the in-game shop for US$14.99!

Trainers who purchase their ticket from the Pokémon GO Web Store will receive an exclusive GO Fest 2024 shirt avatar item.

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global tickets are now available on the Pokémon GO Web Store . Trainers who purchase their ticket from the Pokémon GO Web Store will receive an exclusive color of the GO Fest 2024–themed T-shirt for their avatar! Like the GO Fest event badge, the T-shirt will arrive closer to the Pokémon GO Fest event.

• On the front page of the Pokémon GO Web Store , scroll down the front page to the “GO Fest 2024 Ticket” section.
• Tap the Buy button.
• Sign-in if you haven’t already and click ”Proceed to Payment”.
• A few days before the event, you’ll receive a medal. When you log in during event hours on Saturday, July 13, or Sunday, July 14, 2024, you’ll receive access to the Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global experience.
• When the special exclusive Pokémon GO Fest 2024 T-shirt arrives closer to the date of Pokémon GO Fest, it will be delivered to the “Style” section of your Trainer Profile.

Please note: You must log in during event hours on both Saturday and Sunday to claim each day’s Special Research story. After you’ve claimed each Special Research story, you can complete it at any time.

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global tickets are now available in the in-game shop for US$14.99!*

• In the in-game shop, tap the Pokémon GO Fest 2024 image.
• You’ll see a pop-up indicating that you’ve received a ticket for Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Global.
• After you tap OK , you can find the ticket in your Item Bag.

Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City, USA

Pokémon GO Fest 2024 is coming to New York City, and we’re planning a big event for the Big Apple! GO Fest 2024: New York City is split into different experiences across two locations: Randall’s Island Park and throughout the rest of New York City!

Attendees can enjoy exclusive gameplay, special bonuses, and more as they adventure alongside thousands of fellow Trainers, spending half the day in Randall’s Island Park and the other half exploring the larger New York City area!

All tickets include both the Randall’s Island Park AND New York City experience—the only difference is the time of day Trainers will be at each location.

Choose Your Adventure Order

Trainers who purchase a ticket will split their day between exploring Randall’s Island Park and adventuring throughout New York City, enjoying special exclusive event gameplay during both parts of the day.

Both the Morning Park Experience and the Afternoon Park Experience are the same—the only difference is the time of day Trainers are at each location.

All attendees will receive the following bonuses and rewards between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, anywhere in New York City on their ticketed day!

Evolve your gameplay with ticket add-ons

You can make the most of your event day with add-ons!

Raid Lover - $15

Raid Lover Add-on bonus will be active throughout New York City from Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7, 2024

Egg-thusiast - $15

Egg-thusiast add-on bonus will be active throughout New York City from Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7, 2024

Citywide Gameplay - $20

Extend the GO Fest fun and enjoy the city experience throughout New York City on one to two extra days of your choice! This add-on provides an additional day of the same citywide gameplay experience that is available on your primary event day; however, it does not include additional Special or Timed Research.

This add-on only enables additional citywide gameplay. The Randall’s Island Park event experience will only be available on your primary event day at the time indicated on your ticket.

T-shirt Pre-order - $27

Pre-order your in-person event-exclusive Pokémon GO Fest 2024 T-shirt now and pick it up in-person during the event. Each T-shirt purchased will also come with a code that can be redeemed for a matching in-app avatar item.

T-shirt quantities are limited and pre-orders will only be available while supplies last. No returns, exchanges, or cancellations will be allowed. The same T-shirt design (in a different color) will be available for sale (while supplies last) on Niantic Supply in select countries.

Marshadow makes its Pokémon GO debut during Pokémon GO Fest!

This year, the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow—the Gloomdweller Pokémon—aims to overshadow the event! Marshadow will be making its Pokémon GO debut during Pokémon GO Fest 2024: Sendai. This shadowy Pokémon will make follow-up appearances in Madrid and New York City!

Follow the story told by your event-exclusive Special Research and adventure throughout the park, and get ready for your own mysterious encounter with Marshadow!

Trainers will only encounter Marshadow once no matter how many GO Fest 2024 Special Research stories they acquire and complete. If you plan to attend multiple GO Fest 2024 events, the first relevant Special Research story you obtain will award your Marshadow encounter. Any subsequent GO Fest Special Research you obtain and complete will award you with Marshadow Candy instead of a Marshadow encounter once it is completed.

Necrozma makes its Pokémon GO debut in the Americas in raids at Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City!

The Prism Pokémon, Necrozma, will make its worldwide Pokémon GO debut in raids during Pokémon GO Fest 2024! Trainers in New York City will have the opportunity to conduct Raid Battles for Necrozma during the event weekend. Only Pokémon GO Fest: New York City ticket holders may encounter a shiny Necrozma, if they are lucky!

Klefki, the Key Ring Pokémon, will appear during Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City! This Pokémon is typically only found in France!

Shiny Ducklett Debuts

Trainers who attend Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City will be able to encounter Shiny Ducklett for the first time in Pokémon GO—if they’re lucky!

Costumed Pokémon Debuts

Pikachu and Eevee are dressed for the occasion! Eevee wearing a sun crown and Eevee wearing a moon crown will be exclusively available to in-person GO Fest attendees only.

Pikachu wearing a sun crown and Pikachu wearing a moon crown will also be available to in-person GO Fest attendees before Pokémon GO Fest: Global in July.

A Picture Perfect Pokémon

For eagle-eyed Trainers, Heat Rotom may appear in snapshots as a surprise encounter during in-person GO Fest events.

Park Experience: Special Pokémon will appear in the wild!

Special Pokémon will appear in unique habitats around Randall’s Island Park during the event!

Habitat: Brilliant Skies

Habitat: Ghostly Woods

Habitat: Poolside Cabana

Habitat: Rugged Quarry

All Habitats

City Experience: Special Pokémon will appear in the wild!

All Pokémon featured in the event habitats will appear in the wild throughout New York City during the day on your ticket!

Appearing in 5-Star Raids

The following Pokémon will appear in raids during GO Fest 2024: New York City!

There is one additional raid boss yet to be announced.

Field Research Tasks

Spin PokéStops to collect event-exclusive Field Research tasks and earn rewards.

Special Research

Collection challenges.

Level up your Elite Collector medal by completing Collection Challenges—one for each of the four habitats!

Ducklett will be released in its shiny variant with the start of the event.

Shiny Buzzwole will make its debut. Shiny Necrozama will also be available.

Hey, I'm LeekDuck. I create Pokémon GO graphics, resources and report Pokémon GO news. You can find them on my Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook Page. You can also find me on Twitch and YouTube!

LeekBeats Radio

Catching 'em all: Thousands of Pokémon trainers descend on New York for 3-day festival

Pokémon go players will spend three days scouring the big apple and nearby randall's island park during the pokémon go fest..

Tens of thousands of Pokémon trainers will be descending on New York City this weekend in their never-ending quest to "catch 'em all."

Beginning Friday, players of the popular mobile game Pokémon GO from developer Niantic will spend three days scouring both the Big Apple and nearby Randall's Island Park for Pokémon creatures during the Pokémon Go Fest .

Organizers expect 70,000 people to attend the event through Sunday, Pokémon GO 's largest public event since the augmented reality game launched seven years ago as a mobile phone app.

But the large crowd won't be the only thing setting apart this weekend's festivities from a typical hunt. Attendees will also be offered with the chance to catch rare Pokémon, such as the mythical Diancie .

"Pokémon GO is all about playing together," Niantic CEO John Hanke said in a statement to USA TODAY. "This event is a chance for people from all over the world to come together with their friends, family and other trainers to play and connect with new people who are equally enthusiastic about the game."

Here's what you need to know about the massive festival:

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What is there to do during the Pokémon GO Fest?

Diancie may be considered the "crown jewel" of the festival, but plenty of other Pokémon will also be making a special appearance in the wild for trainers to capture.

As the main venue for trainers, Randall's Island Park has been festooned to look like a habitat replete with volcanoes and poisoned swamps where wild Pokémon run free. Participants can battle one another and join in a variety of other challenges that include both collecting and researching these rare creatures.

Within the city itself, Pokémon GO trainers will use their mobile app to navigate around all five boroughs in search of their quarry.

All told, trainers will be able to catch more than 50 different Pokémon species, some of which are being released in New York City before anywhere else in the world.

How much are tickets?

Tickets can be purchased for $30.

A variety of add-ons are also available for additional fees that include an exclusive T-shirt and access to upgraded perks, such as more experience points for completing challenges.

Trainers who buy a ticket will split their day between exploring Randall’s Island Park and adventuring throughout New York City. Every ticket includes both the Randall’s Island Park and New York City experiences, with the only difference being the time of day guests visit each location.

What are the hours of the festival?

The event lasts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET each day.

While the citywide experience is available all day between those hours, ticket-holders will only be able to visit Randall's Island Park during the hours listed on their ticket: Either 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected].

Event Gameplay

• Event Features

Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global

February 24 and 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time.

Join millions of Trainers across the globe on an adventure through space, time, and beyond! Explore the Sinnoh region with your friends, collecting Pokémon, discovering legendary stories, and experiencing the community of Pokémon GO together.

No ticket is required to participate in Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global! Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl or a new Trainer picking up Pokémon GO for the first time, anyone can take part in exciting gameplay inspired by the Sinnoh region at no cost!

When trouble arises for Team GO Rocket, will you answer the call? Trainers around the world can take part in an exclusive Special Research story during Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global.

In this Special Research story with branching paths, Trainers can choose one of the Sinnoh region’s first-partner Pokémon to explore with. Plus, Trainers can look forward to reward encounters with other Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region, including Spiritomb!

Before Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global kicks off for Trainers around the world, jump into some Sinnoh-inspired fun during the Road to Sinnoh event!

Plus, enjoy additional bonuses, event-themed Timed Research, and new avatar items with the Road to Sinnoh tickets, perfect for Trainers who want to make the most of this Sinnoh celebration! Trainers taking part in Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global on February 24 and 25, 2024, can take advantage of these ticket bonuses throughout the event weekend.

Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. local time

Feeling grateful? Trainers all over the world can purchase a ticket for Masterwork Research leading to an encounter with Shiny Shaymin.

Tickets will be available for purchase in the in-game shop for US$4.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency, plus any applicable taxes and fees) from Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. until Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. local time. Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. Tickets to this event are nonrefundable (subject to applicable law and the exceptions set forth in the Terms of Service).

Experience a legendary debut: Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia make their Pokémon GO debuts at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh!

Trainers can encounter this powerful duo in raids during space-time anomalies at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global during the Ancient Grove and Geothermal Lagoon habitat hours. Trainers may even encounter a Shiny one—if they’re lucky!

Strange skies and new Pokémon can only mean one thing—a space-time anomaly is forming!

Appearing uniquely at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh, space-time anomalies are mysterious phenomena connecting our world to the distant past. During a space-time anomaly, Pokémon first discovered in the Hisui region will appear in habitats and raids!

Grab your friends—new Party Play challenges exclusive to Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global will be available to Trainers worldwide from Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time to Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. local time! Work together with friends for an encounter with Regigigas!

Learn more about Party Play

Will you investigate the depths of space or the powers of time? Trainers will be able to pick between a Diamond or Pearl badge. The badge you pick will determine certain rewards and bonuses!

The badge Trainers pick at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Los Angeles will carry over to the global event the following weekend.

Space-time anomalies are forming at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh?!

Space-time anomalies are mysterious phenomena connecting our world to the distant past. During a space-time anomaly, Pokémon first discovered in the Hisui region featured in the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game on Nintendo Switch will appear in habitats and raids!

Stay vigilant, Trainers—space-time anomalies at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global will occur only during the Ancient Grove and Geothermal Lagoon habitat hours!

Keep an eye out for the following during space-time anomalies…

Different Pokémon appearing in raids, including Origin Forme Dialga and Origin Forme Palkia

Additional Pokémon appearing in all habitats

Unown H, Unown I, Unown S, and Unown U will be attracted to Incense, excluding Daily Adventure Incense

Harness the powers of time and space!

* Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME.

New attacks with new effects!

Enhance the way you explore the world with Adventure Effects, debuting at Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh! Certain attacks can now grant additional bonuses while you explore! Trainers participating in Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global will have a chance at encountering these Pokémon with their signature attacks—the version of the event you choose will affect your chances!*

For more information on Adventure Effects, head over to the blog !

The Adventure Effect for Origin Forme Dialga’s signature attack, Roar of Time, temporarily pauses the timer on certain items. Trainers who choose the Diamond version of the event will encounter an Origin Forme Dialga that knows Roar of Time.

The Adventure Effect for Origin Forme Palkia’s signature attack, Spacial Rend, temporarily increases the distance at which you can encounter wild Pokémon. Trainers who choose the Pearl version of the event will encounter an Origin Forme Palkia that knows Spacial Rend.

Diamond or Pearl?

To get the most out of these bonuses, be sure to complete the global Special Research “Road to Sinnoh” and select your event badge ahead of Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global. This Special Research will be available beginning on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Trainers who choose the Diamond badge can look forward to the following bonuses:

• Encounter an Origin Forme Dialga that knows its signature attack, Roar of Time
• The Adventure Effect for Roar of Time will last twice as long
• Dialga Candy awarded in Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global Special Research

Trainers who choose the Pearl badge can look forward to the following bonuses:

• Encounter an Origin Forme Palkia that knows its signature attack, Spacial Rend
• The Adventure Effect for Spacial Rend will last twice as long
• Palkia Candy awarded in Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global Special Research

Trainers, get ready for new pieces of featured music inspired by Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl created by Junichi Masuda, Pokémon video game series composer and Chief Creative Fellow of The Pokémon Company! You can hear the new music while walking on the map, catching Pokémon, during Raid Battles, and the loading screen when starting up the app!

Pokémon first discovered in the Sinnoh region will appear in raids during the Bustling Boardwalk and Toxic Digs habitat hours.

Special Pokémon will appear in unique habitats during the event! Also, for the first time in Pokémon GO, you’ll be able to encounter Shiny Stunky in the wild—if you’re lucky!

That’s not all! When a space-time anomaly forms, some Pokémon first discovered in the Hisui region will appear! A space-time anomaly will occur during the Ancient Grove and Geothermal Lagoon habitat hours each day.

Bustling Boardwalk: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time

Ancient Grove: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time

Toxic Digs: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time

Geothermal Lagoon: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time

The following Pokémon will be attracted to Incense (excluding Daily Adventure Incense) during the event.

Even more fun to discover!

Look forward to an increased chance of encountering Shiny Turtwig, Shiny Chimchar, Shiny Piplup, Shiny Stunky, Shiny costumed Pokémon, and more!

Plus, you’ll have an increased chance of Shiny Hisuian Voltorb, Shiny Hisuian Qwilfish, Shiny Pachirisu, Shiny Chatot, and Shiny Carnivine hatching from Eggs!

White-Striped Basculin will appear on Routes during Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh – Global!

Learn more about Routes

*White-Striped Basculin cannot currently evolve in Pokémon GO.

Bonuses and Features

All Trainers will receive the following bonuses and rewards on event days between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m!

GO Tour 2024 Tee

Giratina Helmet Giratina Wings Giratina Jacket Diamond Clan Outfit Diamond Clan Boots Pearl Clan Outfit Pearl Clan Boots Team Galactic Outfit

All Trainers will be able to get Pokémon GO Tour: Sinnoh–themed stickers from PokéStops and Gifts from Monday, February 19, at 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, February 25, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

These stickers will also be available in the in-game shop from Friday, February 16, at 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, February 25, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

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Breaking news, nyc judge muffles concerts at forest hills stadium over noise complaints from neighbors.

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A Queens neighborhood is done plugging its ears after a judge ordered the owners of Forest Hills Stadium to turn down the volume amid lingering complaints from locals.

Supreme Court Justice Joseph Esposito agreed that the racket from the venue — and wandering concertgoers — was a legitimate nuisance for neighbors, and ordered the venue’s overseers to put a lid on it following a lawsuit filed by the Forest Hills Garden Corp., a local civic group.

“The crowds overtake the street. It’s overwhelming,” one neighbor told The Post. “The trash after [concerts] is ridiculous. When I moved here I looked forward to a quiet-ish neighborhood. The rock concerts are pounding on my ear drums.” 

“Of course I want everyone to enjoy their summer,” the 61-year-old said. “I’m hoping there is a way for us to coexist but I don’t see how.” 

Local resident Esther Welsh said she doesn’t so much mind the concerts — as the crowds they attract.

“I like the concerts,” Welsh said. “I think they’re nice and good for the neighborhood. But I do think we don’t have the infrastructure— basically, we need more trash cans. People come and there’s nowhere to put their trash. So there’s trash everywhere after the concerts.”

In his April 19 ruling, Esposito said the civic group had made its case loud and clear.

“The court finds that [Forest Hills Garden] is entitled to a preliminary injunction prohibiting [Forest Hills Stadium] from permitting excessive noise to emanate from the stadium,” Esposito wrote.

“The affidavit of [Forest Hill Garden’s] expert wherein he concluded that the noise complained of was approximately 100 times the legal limit for the residential neighborhood was unrebutted by competent proof and the affidavits of the residents detailed the nightly assault ton the quiet enjoyment of their respective homes,” the April 19 ruling said.

The  Forest Hills Gardens Corporation will now hire a contractor to monitor noise and file the findings while putting up barricades to keep concertgoers from wandering into the neighborhood.

They also have to get a sound permit from the city.

A separate bid by another local group, Concerned Citizens of Forest Hills, which sought an injunction to temporarily shut down shows at the venue, was shot down by another judge.

Supreme Court Justice Robert Caloras agreed that noise monitoring made sense but denied the request to halt the shows, and noted that the venue “has extended great effort and expense to implement noise mitigation measures” and deserved to have the summer concert calendar kick off as planned.

The 13,000-seat landmark stadium, run by West Side Tennis Club and opened in 1923, has hosted world-famous performers including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones.

In recent years the number of events has increased — and so has the noise level and frequency of patrons spilling out onto local streets, neighbors contend.

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Chris Jaray, 46, has lived in the neighborhood his whole life, and his family owned the house across from the stadium for almost 100 years. He said he used to like the concerts until it became too much. 

“At first I was a fan, when there was 15 of them and it was kind of low key,” Jaray told The Post. “But when they started adding 30 of them and then there all day. Some of them the noise is ridiculous like when they have the drum and bass shows, my house really shakes.

“So I’m not a fan of that,” Jaray said. “If they scale it back to the 15 concerts the way they originally had it — the other thing is, those 30-plus concerts is every weekend in the summer.”

The association sued the stadium’s overseers in May 2023, seeking a break from the noise.

Anthony Oprisiu, president of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation board of directors, said they tried — and failed — to work out a deal with West Side Tennis Club.

“Our community was forced to sue the West Side Tennis Club after the club and its for-profit concert operator, Tiebreaker, brazenly refused to coordinate with us overuse and closure of streets, noise levels, concert logistics and TRIPLING the original number of events they promised when concerts returned to the stadium ten years ago after a halt of over a decade,” he said in a statement.

“We’re appreciative that the court heard our concerns and made this decision,” Oprisiu added.

“We look forward to working with West Side Tennis Club, Tiebreaker, city agencies, and City Hall to ensure 2024 events follow the law and demonstrate more respect towards our community while the remainder of this important lawsuit is resolved by the Court.”

But West Side Tennis wouldn’t go away quietly, serving the civic group with a countersuit in September.

“The Forest Hills Stadium is an iconic venue that has always sought to minimize its impact on local residents and comply with the law throughout its one-hundred-year history,” Akiva Shapiro of the law firm of Gibson Dunn, which represents West Side Tennis Club, said in a statement last week.

“It will continue to do so in connection with the recent orders of Justices Esposito and Caloras of the Queens Supreme Court, and looks forward to the opportunity presented by the orders to implement a security plan that will ensure concertgoers’ entry and exit in an orderly manner, and to have an independent sound monitor report on Stadium sound levels,” Shapiro said.

“The Stadium looks forward to hosting the fast-approaching concert season.”

In its countersuit, the stadium complained that civic group was acting “in bad faith” in discussions with West Side Tennis and was guilty of “repeated and intentional misrepresentation” of the dispute.

And despite the long-running feud, some locals interviewed by The Post said they’re still kind of fond of the 100-year-old concert venue in their backyard.

“I’m a supporter of the stadium” said resident Juliana Chessin. “I think for young families it’s really fun. They close the streets down, my son rides his scooter and we go hang out in the Forest Hills Center.

“For us, it’s been a really nice, fun thing to have in the neighborhood and I think it’s something that makes the neighborhood special,” Chessin said.

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Trump Tower: Take a Tour of the Saddest Building in NYC

The Trump Organization calls Trump Tower “one of the most iconic commercial properties anywhere in the world...” Have they visited the place lately?

Nell Scovell

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty

For the duration of his criminal trial, Donald J. Trump has moved back into the penthouse of Trump Tower at the corner of 5th Avenue and 56th Street. With the owner and former president back in residence, you might think they’d spruce up the abutting commercial and retail space. You’d be wrong. The Daily Beast dropped in earlier this week for a tour of the “ crown jewel of The Trump Organization.”

FIFTH AVENUE ENTRANCE

Metal barriers take up half the sidewalk and serve two purposes: (1) to hold back crowds; and (2) to force people to cross the avenue if they want a selfie of themselves giving the finger to Trump Tower.

Nell Scovell/The Daily Beast

At least four police officers patrol the residential entrance on 56th street, but security to enter the public space is lax. During Trump’s presidency, the building required a thorough bag check by armed officers. Now a small sign near the entrance reads, “All bags are subject to search by security personnel.”

The Trump Organization website brags, “One of the most notable features of Trump Tower is the breath-taking 60-foot waterfall embellishing the eastern wall of the building.”

Today, it’s notable that there’s no water in the waterfall. And a waterfall without water is just a wall. Here’s a shot from the second story looking down:

So much has changed in the past eight years since Trump called the tower “home.” Ivanka’s eponymous fine jewelry store is gone. And remember the Currency Exchange that served as the backdrop to the iconic moment that Melania and Trump stepped on the escalator?

That’s gone, too.

But let’s not pine for what is lost. Let’s see what’s there…

GROUND LEVEL

A quick glance from the escalator reveals a familiar figure sitting in the café area.

A closer examination clarifies that it’s just a Trump cosplayer taking a break.

Currently under construction, the Trump Café will “most likely open the second week of May,” said an elderly security guard. Then he wiggled his hand in a “give or take” gesture, suggesting not even he believes that will happen.

Trying to help, the guard pointed me to Trump Sweets which offers the full café menu.

At the counter stood a woman in a glittery silver ensemble. She seemed out of place in New York, where people tend to dress more like the woman to her left. Perhaps the Silver Lady slipped through a portal that connects Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower… along with this guy in the purple jacket and sunglasses.

Around the corner from Trump Sweets is the Trump Tower gift shop, whose signage could use some updating. (Note: 2020 was not a great year for Trump.)

Inside the store is a jumble of Trump-related products.

I asked the clerk to name the store’s most popular gift item. He grabbed a deck of $15 Trump Presidential Playing cards. “We sold 7,000 decks,” he said.

Then he fanned a worn deck and recited his worn pitch: “Trump is the king. Melania and Ivanka are the queens. And most importantly, look who is the joker…”

In the more upscale golf shop, there were $5 Trump-embossed gold chocolate bars and a single copy of Don Jr’s book Triggered for sale. There’s no way to know if Don Jr. slipped the book in there himself.

SECOND FLOOR

Starbucks departed in spring 2022 and was recently replaced by “Nerolab Italian Food Zone.” The Rome-based chain’s tagline is “Nerolab, WHY NOT!” But a better tagline would be: “It’s better to be food-zoned than friend-zoned.” It’s right there. Why not!

OUTDOOR TERRACES

Both public terraces appear to be permanently closed to the public. The lack of public outdoor spaces may be in violation of a deal with the city which traded additional square footage for these gardens. In the smaller exterior space, what’s visible through the window looks sparse and untended. Maybe the RNC could pay for a few Trump gardeners along with all those lawyers.

The large glass doors which once opened up to a second, grander terrace are now mirrored over and locked. This is not the first time that shiny has replaced transparency in Trumpworld.

A FINAL NOTE

On Tuesday, Trump posted “It was my great honor to welcome former Japanese Prime Minister Tarō Asō —at Trump Tower this evening!” and attached this photo :

Trump Campaign

The backdrop of the marble and brass confers class to the image. Meanwhile, that same day, in another part of Trump Tower, even marble and brass couldn’t hide the trash.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Taylor Swift parties with Travis Kelce, Mahomes couple in Vegas as she feels ‘sad’ about going back on tour: reports

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It’s party time!

Taylor Swift reportedly partied with boyfriend Travis Kelce and friends Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes in Las Vegas less than two weeks before she’s set to go back on her Eras Tour.

The foursome recently hit up Easy’s Cocktail Lounge   inside the Aria Resort & Casino for a night of drinking and fun, according to TMZ .

The celeb hotspot is reportedly “secluded” and “tucked away” inside the Proper Eats Food Hall in the hotel, making it hard for fans to spot the famous group.

The outlet does not yet have pictures of Swift hanging out with Kelce and pals Brittany and Patrick, both 28, in Sin City, and reps for the stars did not immediately return our requests for comment.

Since Swift has been having the time of her life with her boyfriend and friends, she is reportedly feeling torn about returning to the international leg of her Eras Tour after spending so much time with Kelce.

A source told Us Weekly Friday that the “Bad Blood” singer and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, both 34, have “deepened their bond” during “all the time they’ve spent together recently.”

“It makes the prospect of her tour more challenging. She’ll be sad,” the insider claimed.

Swift’s tour is set to resume May 9 in Paris.

However, the couple, who went public last September, both understand that work is their top priority.

“They support and respect [each other],” Us Weekly’s source also said.

“They have busy careers, so they understand those commitments, as difficult as it is.”

Since Swift’s last international show in Singapore in March, she and Kelce have been spotted on several outings together.

Follow Page Six’s coverage of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s whirlwind romance

• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s dating timeline: From flirting fails to Chiefs power couple
• Travis Kelce’s dating history: Meet the Chiefs tight end’s girlfriends and flings
• Taylor Swift’s dating history: From Jake Gyllenhaal to Matty Healy

Last month, the couple was seen on a romantic vacation in the Bahamas .

Swift, who wore a yellow-and-white striped bikini  by Montce ( top  $143,  bottom  $94) and black sunglasses during the getaway, kissed her beau at the time, as they frolicked together in the clear blue water.

Then, two weeks ago, the pair attended Coachella to catch Swift’s pals Ice Spice and Jack Antonoff perform.

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At one point, Kelce protectively wrapped his arms around his girlfriend as they danced in the crowd.

Although the “Cruel Summer” songstress will be back on the road soon, Kelce — who is currently in his offseason from the NFL — shared that he will be traveling to Europe to support Swift at a few of her shows.

“Oh, you know I gotta go support,” he told “Entertainment Tonight” earlier this month when asked if he would be “packing [his] bags” soon.

The “Catching Kelce” alum also told the outlet that he is more than happy to be there for Swift like she was there for him during the most recent NFL season.

“We are both very career-driven,” Kelce added.

“I think we both love what we do and any chance that I can show my support to her — knowing that she has shown me all the support in the world throughout the season — it’s just been an amazing experience getting to know Tay.”

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Event Effects

Spawn increases in event, specific pokémon.

Boosted Incense Spawns

Event specific raid battles, event exclusive stickers.