San Francisco is set to welcome more than just Pokémon battles in 2026.
Pokémon saved its biggest surprise for last at the 2025 World Championships closing ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. Just before the weekend wrapped up, The Pokémon Company announced PokémonXP: a brand-new festival running alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco from 28–30 August 2026.
The reveal was confirmed on the official event recap page, and uploaded on all official social media pages.
PokémonXP announced as companion event to Worlds 2026
PokémonXP is billed as the first event of its kind, transforming San Francisco’s Moscone Center and Yerba Buena Gardens into a hub for the Pokémon community. Across three days, fans can expect panels, workshops, performances, meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise, all designed to celebrate every corner of the franchise.
The Pokémon Company describes it as an expansive festival where competitive play meets community culture, giving fans the chance to enjoy two landmark experiences in one city.
Championship Sunday heads to Chase Center
The competitive climax of the 2026 Worlds won’t be confined to the usual venues. Championship Sunday is moving to the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, promising the largest arena showcase in Pokémon history.
Attendees with arena passes will witness a finals day packed with trophy presentations across all four games, live performances, major announcements, photo opportunities, and a closing show that The Pokémon Company is already hyping as a must-see.
Tickets and passes
Passes go on sale 17 September 2025, with two tiers available:
PokémonXP Multi-Day Pass
- Access to most festival activities, plus a collectible pin, lanyard, and two Pokémon TCG booster packs.
- Adult (18+): $120 (Pidgey) / $150 (Standard)
- Youth (under 18): $70 (Pidgey) / $100 (Standard)
PokémonXP Multi-Day + Arena Experience Pass
- Everything in the standard pass plus admission to Championship Sunday at the Chase Center.
- Adult (18+): $150 (Pidgey) / $180 (Standard)
- Youth (under 18): $90 (Pidgey) / $120 (Standard)
Exclusive merchandise will also be available at the Pokémon Center pop-up store, accessible only with an event badge. All pass goodies will be collected on-site during registration.
What can fans look forward to at PokémonXP?
From the first details released, PokémonXP will feature:
- PlayLab, described as a “beginner-friendly” way “to get into the action at PokémonXP.”
- Panels featuring special guests and creators which include handcrafted cosplay spectacles and more.
- The Workshop zone where fans can unleash their creativity.
- The Autograph Room where fans can meet special guests and receive a signed print.
- Performances and entertainment throughout the weekend.
- A Pokémon Center pop-up store packed with exclusives.
Full schedules and additional activities will be revealed in spring 2026.
Fans can keep up with announcements via the official PokémonXP website, and the Pokémon World Championship website. Email sign-ups are also open for the latest details on pricing, activities, and future reveals.
