Pokémon Day 2026: What events are taking place in Leeds to celebrate Pokémon turning 30?
That video game that friends may have told you would ‘never’ catch on turns 30 this week... and it has arguably never been bigger.
Since those first pixelated monsters wandered out of the tall grass on the Game Boy back in 1996, Pokémon has defied every ‘fad’ prediction to become the most valuable media property on the planet.
From a niche RPG to a global empire of movies, plushies, and even its own theme park, the franchise is currently celebrating its third decade with more momentum than a Speed-Forme Deoxys.
While the world holds its collective breath for the Pokémon Presents broadcast at 2pm GMT on Friday - with the community already betting their rarest ‘Shinies’ on a first look at Generation 10 - you might find yourself with some free time to occupy.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new trainer just picking up the phone for the first time, Leeds is set to be one of the ultimate hubs for this pop cultural phenomenon.
Here are the five key ways the collecting community in Leeds is celebrating over the next few days.
What Pokémon events are taking place in Leeds to celebrate Pokémon Day 2026?
The Digital HQ: Pokémon Go Leeds/Bradford (Facebook)
Before you head out, joining the Pokémon Go Leeds/Bradford public Facebook group is an essential first step for any trainer.
This community serves as the city's primary digital nerve centre, where local players coordinate everything from high-tier ‘Raid Trains’ to neighbourhood gym takeovers. It is especially vital during the anniversary week for forming ‘Raid Lobbies’ in real-time, ensuring you have the numbers to take down the massive 30th-anniversary bosses without wasting resources.
Keep a close eye on the group's ‘Events’ tab for specific meeting points at locations like Park Square, where the community often gathers to walk the local circuit as one large group.
The Anniversary ‘Raid Hour’ (Friday, 6pm)
Tomorrow evening, the city's Pokémon GO scene will reach a fever pitch as part of the Road to Kalos finale, a special Raid Hour, which will take place from 6pm to 7pm.
A week-long celebration leading up to the 30th Anniversary, each day has been dedicated to a different region of the Pokémon world. Friday’s finale focuses on the Unova region, meaning rare Legendary bosses like Reshiram and Zekrom will be taking over every gym in Leeds for sixty minutes of high-intensity raiding.
The density of gyms in the city centre, specifically around Park Square and Millennium Square, means you can expect hundreds of trainers to be out in force.
Pokémon Party at Waterstones (Saturday, 10am)
Perfect for younger fans and those who appreciate the lore, Waterstones on Albion Street is hosting a dedicated Pokémon Party this Saturday morning. The event serves as a family-friendly festival featuring a themed quiz and a supervised swap shop where junior trainers can safely trade their duplicate cards.
Attendees will have the chance to browse exclusive 30th-anniversary merchandise and book releases while taking part in various station-based activities across the store.
The party starts at 10am, and tickets are £5, with under-16s requiring an adult companion. Fancy dress is highly encouraged, so expect to see the shop floor filled with plenty of Pikachu onesies and Ash Ketchum caps.
TCG League Event at Travelling Man (Saturday, 11am)
For those looking for a more competitive edge, Travelling Man on Central Road is hosting a sanctioned League Play event on Saturday afternoon. The session kicks off with a dedicated trade hour at 11am, providing a prime opportunity for collectors to swap rare pulls from the new 2026 anniversary sets before the tournament begins.
The main league event starts at 12pmand is strictly capped at 40 players, with a £6.50 entry fee.
You will need a Pokémon Player ID and a current rotation deck to participate, and the shop is expected to be a hub for fans hunting the elusive 30th-anniversary promo cards and stickers.
Leeds Card Show #2 (Sunday, 11:30am)
The anniversary weekend reaches its grand finale on Sunday at New Dock Hall, located within the Royal Armouries complex.
As the largest physical gathering for collectors in the North, the show will host over 160 tables of trading cards ranging from vintage 1996 Kanto classics to the latest high-value Generation 10 speculation pieces.
General entry begins at 11:30am for £10, with a discounted afternoon entry available from 2pm for those looking for a later browse.
Whether you are looking to get your cards professionally graded or simply want to immerse yourself in the sheer scale of the 30th-anniversary trading scene, this is the definitive destination for the weekend.