Pokémon GO is turning nine, and Niantic is celebrating in style with a packed week-long Anniversary Party event kicking off Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time and ending Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 PM. The celebration introduces costumed evolutions, a new way to catch Gimmighoul, and multiple in-game bonuses across the week.
Party Hat Evolutions and Gimmighoul Debuts
For the first time in the game’s history, party-hat Bulbasaur will now be eligible for evolution. That means players can obtain both party-hat Ivysaur and Venusaur—two long-requested additions. The party doesn’t stop there, as a new variant of Gimmighoul will appear: one holding a 9th anniversary coin. This form can also be shiny and comes with a unique anniversary-themed background.
Unlike previous Gimmighoul encounters that required owning Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, this event introduces an easier way to catch Gimmighoul directly in Pokémon GO through Timed and Field Research tasks. Additionally, gold-colored PokéStops may appear without the need for a Golden Lure Module, further expanding the chances to collect Gimmighoul Coins—used to evolve the Pokémon into Gholdengo.
Anniversary Event Features and Bonuses
Major Debuts
- Ivysaur and Venusaur with party hats
- Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin (can be shiny)
Global Bonuses (July 1–6)
- Increased chance to become Lucky Friends
- Increased chance to get Lucky Pokémon via trades
- Gold PokéStops appearing without a Golden Lure Module
- Increased chance to encounter shiny cake-hat Pikachu and party-hat Eevee in Raids
- Faster friendship level increases through gifts, trades, or co-op battles
- Possible discovery of 9, 99, or more Gimmighoul Coins from gold PokéStops
- Party hats appearing in the wild can trigger encounters or item rewards
Limited-Time Bonuses
- July 1–3 at 10:00 AM: Half Egg Hatch Distance
- July 3–5 at 10:00 AM: 2× XP for catches
- July 5–6 at 8:00 PM: 2× Stardust for catches
Wild Encounters (All Can Be Shiny)
- Bulbasaur (party hat)
- Charmander (party hat)
- Squirtle (party hat)
- Starter Pokémon from various generations (on rotating days)
One-Star Raids
- Pikachu (cake hat)
- Eevee (party hat)
Both with increased shiny rates
Event Research and Tickets
- Field Research Rewards: Encounters with event-themed Pokémon including Gimmighoul
- Free Timed Research: Stardust, XP, and encounters including party-hat Wobbuffet and Gimmighoul
- $1.99 Timed Research Ticket: Super Incubator, Max Mushroom, and encounter with Gimmighoul
- $4.99 Masterwork Research: Wish Granted:
- Shiny Jirachi
- 2× durations on Incense, Daily Adventure Incense, and Lucky Eggs
Event Shop Items
- New avatar items: Team Valor, Mystic, and Instinct wristbands
- Ultra Ticket Box ($4.99):
- Timed Research Ticket
- Early access to party-hat avatar item
- 3× Max Potions
- 3× Max Revives
- 1× Star Piece
Pokémon GO’s Legacy Continues
Since its 2016 launch, Pokémon GO has evolved far beyond its original format. Now, with its 9th Anniversary and recent seasonal updates under the Delightful Days banner, the game remains a leader in the AR genre. With July also bringing a Quaxly Community Day and an Eevee Community Day Classic, fans have plenty to look forward to.
The 9th Anniversary Party is not just a celebration of the past but also a look at how the game continues to innovate with new ways to play, catch, and connect. Whether you’re returning for the anniversary or have been playing since day one, this week promises exclusive content, rare encounters, and some party-hat fun.
