Pokemon Go’s global Go Fest has arrived, and this year’s event is a big one. For the first time in the game’s history, all players who log in during the festivities will receive access to a new Special Research that leads to an encounter with the mythical Pokemon Zeraora.
That’s not all that players can look forward to this weekend. Mewtwo’s Mega-Evolved forms are also making their debut, and different wild Pokemon and Raid bosses will appear throughout the weekend as part of the game’s rotating habitats.
On top of that, the game will offer a variety of bonuses, challenges, and more this weekend. To help get you up to speed, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Pokemon Go Fest 2026 below.
Pokemon Go Fest 2026 Schedule
This year’s global Pokemon Go Fest takes place on July 10 and 11. The event kicks off each day at 10 AM local time and runs until 7 PM local time.
Unlike previous Go Fests, which restricted access to certain content behind a paid ticket, this year’s event will be completely free for all players. Anyone who logs in to the game during the event days will receive the Zeraora Special Research and be able to take advantage of the full slate of event bonuses, including increased odds of encountering shiny Pokemon.
Mega Mewtwo Raids
Making their debut during this year’s Go Fest are Mewtwo’s two Mega-Evolved forms: Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. Each will appear as Super Mega Raid bosses throughout both days of the event, making this your first chance to battle them and earn Mewtwo Mega Energy.
Like standard Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y is a pure psychic Pokemon, so you can employ the same strategy when challenging one. Mega Mewtwo X, however, is a psychic/fighting type, so it will require a different approach than the other Mewtwo forms.
Here are some recommended counters to help you topple the new Raid bosses:
Best Mega Mewtwo X Counters
Fairy
| Pokemon | Type | Fast Attack | Charged Attack |
| Mega Gardevoir | Psychic/Fairy | Charm | Dazzling Gleam |
| Xerneas | Fairy | Geomancy | Moonblast |
| Tapu Lele | Psychic/Fairy | Astonish | Nature’s Madness |
| Crowned Sword Zacian | Fairy/Steel | Metal Claw | Play Rough |
| Enamorus | Fairy/Flying | Fairy Wind | Dazzling Gleam |
Ghost
| Pokemon | Type | Fast Attack | Charged Attack |
| Giratina | Ghost/Dragon | Shadow Claw | Shadow Force |
| Chandelure | Ghost/Fire | Hex | Shadow Ball |
| Lunala | Psychic/Ghost | Shadow Claw | Shadow Ball |
| Dragapult | Dragon/Ghost | Astonish | Shadow Ball |
| Gholdengo | Ghost/Steel | Hex | Shadow Ball |
Best Mega Mewtwo Y Counters
Dark
| Pokemon | Type | Fast Attack | Charged Attack |
| Mega Houndoom | Fire/Dark | Snarl | Foul Play |
| Mega Tyranitar | Rock/Dark | Bite | Brutal Swing |
| Mega Absol | Dark | Snarl | Brutal Swing |
| Darkrai | Dark | Snarl | Shadow Ball |
| Hydreigon | Dragon/Dark | Bite | Brutal Swing |
Bug
| Pokemon | Type | Fast Attack | Charged Attack |
| Mega Pinsir | Bug/Flying | Fury Cutter | X-Scissor |
| Mega Scizor | Bug/Steel | Fury Cutter | X-Scissor |
| Escavalier | Bug/Steel | Bug Bite | Megahorn |
| Volcarona | Bug/Fire | Bug Bite | Bug Buzz |
| Genesect | Bug/Steel | Fury Cutter | X-Scissor |
Zeraora Special Research
In addition to Mewtwo’s Mega forms, the mythical Zeraora officially arrives during this year’s Go Fest.
The Thunderclap Pokemon will be the star of a new Special Research, which all players will receive upon logging in to the game during the event. Complete the Research’s various tasks and you’ll eventually unlock an encounter with Zeraora, making this your only way to get one so far in Pokemon Go.
