Pokémon GO is marking its 9th Anniversary with a global event from July 1 to July 6, 2025. Trainers worldwide can join in for free to enjoy boosted shiny chances, debut shiny Pokémon, and various bonuses that make this celebration special.
Wondering what’s new? The event highlights include shiny Pikachu and Eevee wearing festive hats, the shiny debut of Gimmighoul, and Ivysaur and Venusaur sporting party hats. Plus, a special Gimmighoul is holding a 9th anniversary coin that comes with a distinct event background. Many bonuses, including faster friendship level-ups and lucky trade chances, will be active.
Date & Time
The event begins on Tuesday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. local time and ends on Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Event Bonuses
During the entire event, trainers will benefit from:
- Increased shiny encounter rates for Pikachu wearing a cake hat and Eevee wearing a party hat
- Shiny Gimmighoul making its Pokémon GO debut
- Higher chances to become Lucky Friends and receive Lucky Pokémon from trades
- Debut of Ivysaur and Venusaur wearing party hats
- A special Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin with a themed event background
- Pokéstops occasionally turning gold without Golden Lure Modules
- Faster friendship level increases through gifts, trades, and battling together
- Chance to collect 9 or 99 (or maybe more!) Gimmighoul Coins when spinning Pokéstops with a Golden Lure Module
- Wild encounters with party hat-themed Pokémon and items by clicking on Party Hats found in the wild
Additional Daily Bonuses
July 1 (10:00 a.m.) to July 3 (10:00 a.m.)
- Egg hatch distance halved for eggs placed in incubators
July 3 (10:00 a.m.) to July 5 (10:00 a.m.)
- Double XP for catching Pokémon
July 5 (10:00 a.m.) to July 6 (10:00 a.m.)
- Double Stardust for catching Pokémon
Pokémon Debuts
Shiny Gimmighoul makes its first appearance in Pokémon GO. Below are images of shiny Gimmighoul and shiny Gholdengo for your reference:
Event-themed Pokémon wearing party hats debut as well:
- Ivysaur wearing a party hat
- Venusaur wearing a party hat
- Gimmighoul holding a special 9th anniversary coin
Wild Encounters
Look out for these party hat-wearing Pokémon appearing more often in the wild:
- Bulbasaur
- Squirtle
- Charmander
Each of the three starter Pokémon will appear on certain days throughout the event, so keep an eye out!
Raids
One-star raids will feature:
- Pikachu wearing a cake hat
- Eevee wearing a party hat
Field Research
Complete 9th Anniversary Event Field Research tasks for encounters with event-themed Pokémon, including the special Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin.
Timed Research and Tickets
Free Timed Research is available during the event, rewarding XP, Stardust, and encounters with event Pokémon like Bulbasaur and Wobbuffet wearing party hats, and Gimmighoul with the anniversary coin.
For $1.99 (or local equivalent), trainers can purchase an Event Ticket unlocking exclusive Timed Research with rewards such as a Super Incubator, Max Mushroom, and an encounter with Gimmighoul holding the 9th Anniversary Coin.
Note: Timed Research tasks must be completed before July 6, 8:00 p.m. local time.
Masterwork Research: Wish Granted
A $4.99 Masterwork Research story offers an encounter with shiny Jirachi. Once purchased, trainers can complete it anytime during or after the event since it doesn’t expire. Bonuses for ticket holders include doubled incense and Lucky Egg durations.
Here is a brief overview of the tasks in the Masterwork Research story:
Tasks Overview
- Catching Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn regions
- Earn a Gold Hoenn Medal
- Have 10 Best Buddies and earn buddy hearts for 20 consecutive days
- Spin PokéStops for 20 days and catch Kecleon
- Obtain a Lucky Pokémon through trading and perform 385 Excellent Throws
- Catch 1000 Pokémon and reach level 40
- Claim final rewards including a shiny Jirachi encounter
Completing the Masterwork Research rewards various XP, Stardust, Rare Candy, Ultra Balls, and Jirachi Candy. Yikes, it’s quite a grind, but shiny Jirachi is a nice prize!
9th Anniversary Ultra Ticket
For $4.99, players can buy the 9th Anniversary Ultra Ticket from the Pokémon GO web store. It includes the Timed Research ticket, early access to a Party Hat avatar item, three bonus Max Potions, three Max Revives, and one Star Piece.
New Avatar Items and Stickers
In the in-game shop, you’ll find new avatar items like Team Valor, Mystic, and Instinct GO Wristbands. Event-themed stickers are also available by spinning Pokéstops, opening gifts, or purchasing them.
