*Pokémon GO Fest 2019 attendees may only purchase tickets for one day of the four-day event. Pokémon GO Fest 2019 in-app benefits are only visible to attendees who have purchased a ticket. Please review the Niantic Terms of Service and the Niantic Ticket Drawing Terms and Conditions for additional information.


Make your way to Grant Park and there will be two (2) Main Entrances to Pokémon GO Fest 2019.
- The NORTH entrance is located at Butler Field (Eastbound at the intersection of South Columbus Drive & East Jackson Drive)
- The SOUTH entrance is located at Hutchinson Field (Eastbound at the intersection of South Columbus Drive & East Balbo Drive)
Please note that your ticket purchase designates your starting point (North or South). You MUST check in at the assigned entry point. The user experience is designed based on your starting point.
Here are some different transportation methods to help you come and go from Pokémon GO Fest:
Airports
The two major airports in Chicago and in close proximity to Grant Park are listed below:
- Chicago Midway International Airport – distance to Grant Park: 10 miles (5700 South Cicero Avenue, Chicago IL, 60638)
- O’Hare International Airport – distance to Grant Park: 18 miles (10000 West O’Hare Avenue, Chicago, IL 60666)
Public Transportation
- Trips can be planned through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) trip planner at http://www.rtachicago.org/
- The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides train and bus routes to Grant Park, through the city and to both major airports. Additional information and route planning can be found at: http://www.transitchicago.com/
- From the elevated lines: exit at Adams/Wabash.
- From the subway: exit at Jackson (NORTH entrance) or Harrison (SOUTH entrance) and walk several blocks east.
- Metra’s commuter rail system can be used for traveling from the Chicago suburbs. Details on riding Metra and a map of nearby Metra stations can be found at: https://metrarail.com/
Taxis
Grab a cab and get dropped off at Butler Field (Eastbound at the intersection of South Columbus Drive & East Jackson Drive) for the NORTH entrance and Hutchinson Field (Eastbound at the intersection of South Columbus Drive & East Balbo Drive) for the SOUTH entrance. Then, head into Pokémon GO Fest 2019!
Biking
Bicycles may not be ridden inside Grant Park, but bicycle parking is available on the perimeter of Grant and Millennium Parks. Visit the Chicago Bicycle Program for maps, safety, and other information.
Parking
Convenient, 24-hour parking is available at the Grant Park North Garage located at 25 North Michigan Avenue, the Grant Park South Garage located at 325 South Michigan Avenue or at the Millenium Park Garage and Millenium Lakeside Garage located at 5 South Columbus Drive. For the best rates, reserve your parking in advance by clicking here.
Street Closures
The following streets will be closed during GO Fest 2019. East Jackson between South Columbus and Lake Shore Drive and East Balbo between South Columbus and Lake Shore Drive.
Parking is not available in Grant Park. The Millenium Park Garage and the Millenium Lakeside Garage located at 5 South Columbus Drive (between Randolph and Monroe on South Columbus) and the Grant Park North Garage are all fully accessible.
Chicago Transit Authority’s bus lines and rail stations are all equipped with accessible services. Visit the Transit Chicago site here to find out more about accessible services from CTA.
Designated rideshare drop off and pick-up locations are at:
NORTH Entrance: On East Jackson Drive between Michigan Avenue and South Columbus Drive on the North side of East Jackson Drive. Or on South Columbus Drive just South of the East Jackson and South Columbus intersection on either side of South Columbus. Then walk East on East Jackson Drive and enter through the NORTH entrance.
The South side of East Monroe Drive between South Columbus Drive and Lakeshore Drive and also the East side of South Columbus Drive just South of East Monroe is a good drop off point. Then walk down South Columbus Drive to East Jackson Drive and enter through the NORTH entrance.
SOUTH Entrance: On East Balbo Drive between Michigan Avenue and South Columbus Drive on the North side of Balbo Drive. Or on South Columbus Drive just South of the East Balbo and South Columbus intersection on either side of South Columbus. If traveling North on South Columbus the East side of South Columbus just past Balbo is also a good drop off point. Then walk East on East Balbo Drive and enter through the SOUTH entrance.
For an overview of how in-app ticketing works for Pokémon GO Fest 2019 Chicago, see our Help Center. Please also review the Niantic Ticket Drawing Terms and Conditions.
- Trainers can apply to attend the event within the Pokémon GO app. Once the event registration begins, Trainers can navigate to the Events screen from the Main Menu to apply to attend.
- If the number of successful applicants for tickets exceeds the overall amount of capacity, there will be a random drawing to ensure there is a fair opportunity for all. If selected to attend the event, each Trainer can purchase up to four tickets.
- Trainers that are selected to attend can only purchase tickets for players who they have reached Great Friends at the time of ticket purchase.
- To ensure a great experience Pokémon GO Fest Ticket holders may only purchase tickets for one day of the four day event.
- Trainers will be given the option of purchasing general admission tickets for each day through both the North (Butler) & South (Hutchinson) entrances.
- Each Trainer must submit a valid e-mail address. Any valid email address may be used (email address does not have to be linked to the individual’s Pokémon GO account).
To begin your Pokémon GO Fest experience, simply enter Grant Park on the date and time of your purchased ticket from your designated entrance.
Ticket holders may only attend one day of the event. Trainers who do not have a valid ticket will be unable to see or interact with Pokémon within the park.
All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is also a ticket holder.
If you do not have a ticket to Pokémon GO Fest, you will not be able to see any Pokémon in Grant Park. However, many Pokémon featured in Pokémon GO Fest habitats will be appearing all around the world on June 13th - June 16th.
The Help/Information counters are located near the NORTH and SOUTH entrances of the festival. Stop by to get answers to your questions, receive PokéStop registration help, learn about the festival’s ADA and accessibility plan, return found items or look for lost items and learn more about Pokémon GO!
Pokémon GO Fest is proud to support nursing mothers during the event, we have partnered with Mamava to provide two Lactation Pods which will be placed in Butler and Hutchinson Fields. Please visit the nearest help desk for the exact location.
Garbage/refuse collection and disposal is ultimately the responsibility of everyone. Any and all refuse generated must be properly disposed of in garbage receptacles located throughout the park. Please dispose of your trash in the correct recycling and regular receptacles.
All ticket holders are allowed to re-enter the festival throughout the day. Only ticket holders will be able to participate in the Pokémon GO Fest experience and specialized elements.
Need help? Lost? Security guards are located throughout Grant Park that can provide assistance. "Pole Markers" are attached to the light poles around Grant Park and will help first-responders locate you quickly. If additional assistance is needed call 9-1-1 and give the letter/number on the pole marker nearest your location.
The following items are ALLOWED:
- Standard school-sized backpacks only
- Binoculars
- Blankets, Sheets, Towels
- Cameras (basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras)
- GoPro cameras without accessories
- Sealed sunscreen lotion (no aerosol containers)
- Empty hydration packs and water bottles (plastic or aluminum) Max size 36oz.
- Pre-packaged food
- Water – you may bring factory sealed bottles of water and refill them throughout the day at our free water filling stations
- Collapsible Umbrella
- Strollers
The following items are PROHIBITED:
- Large Backpacks (no frames or camping gear)
- Cigarettes, E-Cigs or Vaping devices
- Aerosol containers (including sunscreen and personal beauty products)
- Any and all professional audio recording equipment
- Any and all professional video equipment
- Camera accessories, such as selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, go pro mounts and attachments, or other commercial equipment
- Drones or any other remote flying device
- Totems, Flags, Banners
- Coolers of any kind (exceptions may be made for medical use)
- Framed backpacks
- Hammocks
- Glass Containers
- Weapons or explosives of any kind (including firearms, pocket knives, pepper spray, fireworks, etc.)
- Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Alcohol of any kind
- Professional-grade radios or walkie-talkies
- Pets (except for service animals)
- Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts (including red wagons) or any personal motorized vehicles
- Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
- Preparation or cooking of food onsite
- Please do not affix anything to the trees or shrubs
- Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, etc.
- No chairs of any kind
Pokémon GO Fest 2019 is ADA compliant, including accessible entrances and restrooms. For more information, patrons are directed to visit the Help/Information counters during operational hours. The Help/Information counters are located near the NORTH and SOUTH entrances to the festival in the team tents. Services offered at the Info/Guest Services tent include, but are not limited to:
- Answers to questions specific to the ADA access program
- Information relevant to our patrons with disabilities
- Information on where the power outlets for charging powered mobility devices are located within the Park
If you encounter a guest with a disability who has any access questions or needs assistance, please direct them to the Information Desks.
A friendly reminder to be considerate of all Pokémon GO Fest 2019 attendees:
- Never ask the nature of a person’s disability.
- Never push a mobility device/wheelchair – but you can help clear crowds as appropriate.
Parking is not available in Grant Park. The Millenium Park Garage and the Millenium Lakeside Garage located at 5 South Columbus Drive (between Randolph and Monroe on South Columbus) and the Grant Park North Garage are all fully accessible.
Chicago Transit Authority’s bus lines and rail stations are all equipped with accessible services. Visit Transit Chicago to find out more about accessible services from CTA.
Chicago Transit Authority’s bus lines and rail stations are all equipped with accessible services. Visit Transit Chicago to find out more about accessible services from CTA.
The Park grounds are ADA accessible, but please be aware that this is a venue with distances between attractions. The length of the experience is almost one mile. Also, it is an outdoor festival situated in a park and across city streets. Therefore, most travel is over natural terrain and pathways. If it should rain, there will be mud in some places. Pokémon GO Fest 2019 does not provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push services of any kind or wheelchairs for rent or loan. Guests should make arrangements in advance if a wheelchair is needed and plan to bring attendants, if needed.
Motorized vehicles, such as Segway’s and golf carts are not allowed.
Accessible ADA portable toilets are available at the end of each row of restrooms throughout the park.
Prepackaged food and bottled water is allowed in the festival. There will also be Food Trucks and Concessions if you want to purchase food.
Food Trucks will be located at the following locations: East Jackson between South Columbus and Lake Shore Drive. East Balbo between South Columbus and Lake Shore Drive.
Snacks and water concessions will be available at the team tents in both Butler and Hutchinson Field. Additional Food Concessions will be available in Lower Hutchinson Field.
Water - Free water filling stations are located in Butler Filed, Buckingham and Hutchinson Field. Additional beverages will also be for sale at designated concession stands.
Pokémon GO Fest 2019 will have food vendors that provide special dietary options. Please visit the Help/Information counter for a full list of vendors and further information.
Attendees requiring insulin are allowed to bring his or her medically necessary materials and medications provided all medicine has a prescription label with the attendee’s name. Out of concern for the festival staff who handle the trash, attendees are asked to dispose of medical waste and syringes in the proper disposal located at the Medical tent, located in Butler Field. Please do not dispose of these items in other trash bins at the festival.
If additional support is required please check-in at the Medical tent located in Butler Field.
Pets are not allowed within the festival grounds or attractions. Service animals are allowed throughout the venue.
The event will take place rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. In the case of extreme weather, directions to the nearest shelters will be communicated to the attendees. Shelter locations will also be listed on the event map.
To apply for press credentials, please reach out to press@nianticlabs.com