Super fun Pokémon GO Fest kicks off in New York

The Pokémon GO Fest 2023 has already been held in the capital of England and in the Japanese city of Osaka. Now it’s time to have some fun looking for Pokémon in New York. More than 70,000 people will try to “catch them all” from August 18 to 20 across all boroughs in the city, according to Amny.

For the first time since its launch in 2017, the annual Pokémon GO Fest will be coming to Randalls Island and other areas of New York. You have the chance to personally hunt and look for rare Pokémon, as well as join a powerful community of all players or trainers, as they are called in the Pokémon world. Approximately 80% of Pokémon GO Fest participants will come to New York from other cities.

Pokémon GO players will use the mobile app to navigate city squares, boulevards, flowerbeds, and alleyways in search of Pokémon. The main training ground for trainers will be Randall’s Island Park, which will feature four “Pokémon habitats” as well as photo opportunities using augmented reality.

“Our games are based on the real world and are very different from other mobile, console or PC games,” said Pokemon GO director Michael Steranka. “We really believe that live events are a unique opportunity for players.”

He noted that the organizers have already learned at past festivals to ensure the connection of participants with their applications. The company works closely with cellular providers to provide reliable and sufficient cellular coverage for the tens of thousands of Pokémon-catching players throughout the event.

Pokémon GO Fest participants will have to catch new Pokémon – shiny and mythical – that will be released through the app. They are waiting for unique Pokémon that will appear in New York earlier than in any other place in the world.

“One of the most interesting Pokémon debuting in New York is Mega Rayquaza, which fans love a lot,” Steranka explained. “This is a great opportunity for those who have never played Pokémon GO, or may not have played it in a while, to start hunting because you will get a huge boost to your account.”

New York City is one of the most popular places to play Pokémon GO, with a large concentration of Pokéstops and Gyms. The festival will be dedicated not only to exciting hunting, but also to acquaintance with the cuisine, art and culture of New York.

“What happens on Randalls Island is only half the experience,” the organizers said. “We want players to explore New York at the same time.”

Honeymoon for Pokémon

The founder of the game shared memories of people proposing to their significant other at Pokémon GO festivals. For example, one couple spent the first leg of their honeymoon flying from London to Osaka and then to New York to continue the celebration.

Dali and Ann Bynes recently got married and will spend their honeymoon in New York. The couple decided to participate in the game for all three days of the festival in order to catch Pokémon and meet fellow trainers they met at past Pokémon GO festivals.

“My partner only plays because of me,” Dali said. “Pokemon was a big part of my childhood.”

Since then, Ann has moved on to a new wave and continues to accompany her husband on trips around the world to catch exclusive Pokémon. In New York, the couple are looking at large parks.

“There are several hot spots where there will be a large number of players,” the newlyweds specified. “We plan to play in Central Park and Bryant Park.” According to Dali Bynes, at the moment he has already visited places that he would not have been able to visit if not for his love of “collecting”.

“It gives me an extra reason to get outside and explore the city, as well as immerse myself in a game that I love, and more importantly, play a game that my friends love,” the guy said.

Steranka shared the three core creative principles behind Pokémon Go: real-world social interaction, exploration, and exercise. When people travel the world for festivals, he says, they have a real opportunity to discover a whole new city or, if you’re a local, a whole new park through the lens of your favorite game.

“We really believe that the entire Pokémon Go gameplay is not just about what happens on your phone,” Steranka said. Often people walk for eight hours in a row. It’s just an incredibly unique and engaging experience that you won’t find in any other game.”

Features of buying tickets

Tickets for Friday and Sunday (August 18, 20) for New Yorkers to join in on the fun are still available and can be purchased for $30 at gofest.pokemongolive.com.

Park experience
Get ready for a trip to Randall’s Island! Whatever time you go to the park – in the morning or in the afternoon – the same exciting discoveries, rewards and bonuses await you!

City Experience
Explore the hidden wonders of New York City with special and event-exclusive gameplay in different parts of the city! From 9:00 to 19:00, all participants will be able to enjoy exciting content, rewards and bonuses with their ticket.

Note: You will only be able to play Pokémon GO at Randall’s Island during the times specified on your ticket.

With a Morning Park Experience ticket, you’ll spend the first part of the day at Randall’s Island before heading to New York for a second exclusive gaming experience.

With an Afternoon Park Experience ticket, you’ll spend the first part of the day exploring New York City before heading to Randall’s Island Park for a second exclusive gaming experience.