Pokémon Day lands on a Friday this year, and Mexico City’s fan scene is treating it like a weekend. Two free, in-person gatherings are set for Feb. 27–28, and a global livestream drops early on Pokémon Day itself. If you want photo ops, tournaments, and a collectible market, you’ll have options on both sides of the city. Here’s what’s confirmed so far, where to go, and the small details that make the difference—times, neighborhoods, and how to get there by Metro.
Pokémon Day 2026 and the key time to note
Pokémon Day is observed every year on February 27. It marks the original launch of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan in 1996. In 2026, that anniversary falls on Friday, February 27. The 30-year milestone is also drawing extra fan activity. The simplest way to join is Pokémon Presents, the annual video presentation. The confirmed start time converts to 8:00 a.m. in Mexico City. No ticket is needed, and you can watch from anywhere. That matters for expats who are still building local circles. If you miss the live show, the recording usually stays online. You can catch it later and avoid spoilers. The presentation tends to set the weekend’s talking points. New game news shapes what people trade and cosplay. It can also drive meetups around mobile updates and special releases. If you want a low-commitment plan, start with the stream. Then pick an in-person stop based on your neighborhood.
Two free in-person events in Mexico City
For a central, easy option, Centro Pokémon is hosting a Pokémon Day weekend gathering on Saturday, February 28, next to Teatro Blanquita. This spot is best known as a Saturday marketplace. It focuses on collectibles and trading cards, and entry is free. Regular hours are posted as 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Organizers have promoted a Pokémon Day edition that runs late morning into mid-afternoon. Expect vendor stalls and casual trading. You will also see players focused on the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The anniversary theme also includes community activities. Expect live music, cosplay meetups, and giveaways. Small tournaments are also promoted. The venue is on Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas in Colonia Guerrero. It is a short walk from Metro Bellas Artes. Because it’s outdoors, crowds and sun can be the main variables. If you plan to trade, bring sleeves or a binder. It helps protect cards on the street.
A second option is Pokémon Fest 2026, set for February 27 and 28 at Centro Cultural Casa de las Bombas in Iztapalapa. Organizers have posted free admission for the event. The program follows a fan-convention format. It mixes photo opportunities with costumed mascots, tournaments, and talks. It also includes an exhibition area for community displays. Expect family groups, teens, and longtime collectors. Bring a light snack if you plan to stay. A live set by Iron Ramen is promoted as part of the weekend lineup. Casa de las Bombas is a UAM-linked cultural center. It is listed at Gregorio Torres Quintero s/n, Prolongación Quetzal, Colonia La Purísima. The closest Metro reference in directions is UAM-I on Line 8. The walk is manageable for most visitors. Still, plan it in daylight if the area is new to you. Travel time from the Historic Center can be significant. Line 8 can make it simpler than a surface route.
What to know before you go
These gatherings are advertised as free events, but they can still tempt people to spend. Vendors commonly sell cards, figures, plush, and fan-made items. Some tournaments also have sign-up rules. Seats can fill fast. Bring small bills and keep valuables close in crowds. Assume you will stand for long stretches. If you are visiting from outside the city, remember Mexico City time. It drives both in-person schedules and the early livestream. Metro is the easiest way to move between areas. Watch station closing times if you plan a late return. A rideshare can be simpler if you are carrying purchases. Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone charger. You do not need to be fluent in Spanish to enjoy either event. Basic phrases help when trading or asking rules. Expect minor schedule changes near the date. Stage times and brackets are the most likely to shift. Checking the organizers’ latest updates can save you a wasted trip.
With information from Chilango, TechRadar, Business Wire
