Pokemon GO has announced two big events in the mobile augmented reality game, though one will only be available to players in a specific country. The Festival of Lights returns to Pokemon GO later this month, specifically for players in India, but trainers around the world will be able to enjoy an event celebrating the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set for release on October 16. Following a similar action-RPG formula as 2022’s popular title Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the game looks to provide a different take on the Kalos Region’s Lumiose City, and its story and gameplay will center heavily on the mysteries behind Mega Evolution.
Pokemon GO October 2025 Events and Dates
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A Celebration Event – October 16 at 10 AM through October 20 at 8 PM local time
- Festival of Lights (India only) – October 18 at 10 AM through October 23 at 8 PM local time
Not to miss out on a tie-in opportunity, Pokemon GO will be hosting the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Celebration Event starting at 10 AM local time on launch day and running through October 20. Following the central theme of Mega Evolution, players will notice Mega Raids in Pokemon GO occurring more frequently, and they will also find special Lumiose City-themed cosmetic items in the shop.
In addition to these bonuses, Timed Research during the event will be built around Pokemon Legends: Z-A‘s starter trio of Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig. Encounters with the three starters, including a Seasonal Special Background, will be included among the Timed Research rewards, and whichever starter a player chooses first will be more likely to appear when Daily Adventure Incense is used throughout the event’s duration. However, like all Timed Research tasks in Pokemon GO, players will need to complete them and claim the rewards before the event’s end. Fully evolving any of these three starters during the event period will teach them a special charged move, with Meganium learning Frenzy Plant, Feraligatr learning Hydro Cannon, and Emboar learning Blast Burn.
While that event is going on worldwide, players in India will be treated to the return of the Festival of Lights Event from October 18-23. This event will cause certain Pokemon — Ponyta, Chinchou, Volbeat, Litwick, Morelull, and Tadbulb — to appear more frequently when incense is used, and each will emit a special glow. Collecting these Pokemon will result in rewards that include a Premium Raid Pass, Stardust, and XP. This event will also feature two Pokemon GO Pikachu variants wearing a saree and kurta, which can be found as Field Research or Timed Research task rewards.