Pokemon GO Fest Chicago 2026 saw six couples get engaged

Six couples got engaged during Pokemon Go Fest Chicago 2026 this weekend after the Pokemon Go team selected them for surprise proposals during the event in Grant Park.

The engagement took place during a festival that welcomed around 90,000 players to the park and hundreds of thousands more throughout the Chicago area as part of a citywide celebration. The event marked Pokemon Go's fourth return to Chicago and celebrated the mobile game's 10-year anniversary after its first in-person event debuted there in 2017.

Pokemon Go Fest Chicago turned into a celebration of love

Pikachu from Pokemon GO in front of green hearts.

According to the Pokemon Go team, trainers submitted their stories online for a chance to be selected for a special offer. Selected couples received VIP badges, souvenirs, matching Umbreon and Espeon plushies, and surprise proposals that included a dedicated photographer and appearances by Pikachu and Eevee mascots.

Proposals took place in a themed photo-op area inside Go Fest. In one video shared on Instagram by WBEZ Chicago, a couple in Pokemon-themed shirts pose with an Eevee before one of them takes a ring out of a bag and proposes to the mascot. Social media users reacted to the moment, with commenters writing messages like “omgggggggg I love it 😭😭😭” and “Happy Pride Month & congratulations 🌈”.

The Pokemon Go team said they are excited to see so many trainers willing to share major life milestones with the gaming community.

For players who were unable to attend Pokemon Go Fest Chicago, Pokemon Go Fest Global will be held on July 11-12, allowing players from around the world to participate remotely.

As someone who attended Pokemon Go Fest Chicago this year, it was really gratifying. Between families exploring Grant Park together, coordinating outfits everywhere I looked, and surprise designs, the event felt like a massive community gathering built on connection.