The Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game) is reaching a massive milestone, and Pokémon GO is joining in on the fun! To commemorate the release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 30th Celebration collection, Scopely Explore is rolling out a special in-game celebration.
Whether you are a dedicated card collector, a veteran Pokémon GO Trainer, or someone who loves snagging exclusive avatar items, this event has plenty of exciting features to check out. Pokémon GO Trainers in the United States have an exciting event worth celebrating.
Here is everything you need to know about the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Event, including dates, featured Pokémon, Timed Research, and special gift card bonuses.
Pokémon TCG Event Dates and Schedule
Mark your calendars, because this celebration runs for a few weeks, but certain deadlines apply to the rewards:
- Event Duration: Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
- Timed Research Acquisition Window: You can pick up the event-themed Timed Research until Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
- Research Completion Deadline: Once you have obtained the Timed Research, you must complete the associated tasks and claim all your rewards before Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. local time.
CHECK: other local events
Pokémon TCG Event Featured Pokémon: Mega Raids
If you are heading out to participate in the celebrations, you can engage in special raid activities. The following Pokémon will appear more frequently in Mega Raids at participating retail locations:
Mega Gengar: Trainers will have an increased chance to encounter and challenge Mega Gengar in raids. If you are exceptionally lucky during your raid encounters, you might even encounter a Shiny Gengar!
Pokémon TCG Event-Themed Timed Research
No Pokémon GO event would be complete without some research tasks to tackle. For the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Event, Trainers can acquire exclusive event-themed Timed Research simply by visiting select retail locations (Target, GameStop, or Best Buy) in the United States and opening up Pokémon GO.
By completing these research tasks, you will earn valuable in-game rewards, including:
- Poké Balls to help you stock up for future catches
- Encounters with event-themed Pokémon
- And other exciting bonuses!
Be sure to plan a trip to a participating retailer before October 20 to grab your research tasks.
Special Gift Card Bonus: Gengar Knit Cap
If you are planning to purchase or redeem a Pokémon GO gift card, there is an extra incentive during this celebration. Trainers who redeem a Pokémon GO gift card purchased from select retailers and online stores between September 27 and October 31, 2026, will receive an exclusive avatar item: the Gengar Knit Cap.
Participating Retailers:
- Best Buy retail stores and bestbuy.com
- GameStop retail stores and gamestop.com
- Target retail stores and Target.com
How to Claim Your Item:
Once you have obtained a gift card code from one of the eligible stores listed above, head over to the official Pokémon GO Offer Redemption page to redeem it.
Note: This offer is exclusively available for Target, GameStop, or Best Buy–purchased Pokémon GO gift card code redemptions made between September 27 and October 31, 2026. There is a limit of one redemption per account. If you happen to already own the Gengar Knit Cap, do not worry—you will receive an alternate item of equal value instead.
Play Safely and Stay Updated
As always, be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities while playing Pokémon GO.
Get out there, visit your nearest participating retailer, take down some Mega Gengar raids, and celebrate three decades of the Pokémon Trading Card Game in style!
