Pokémon Is Taking Over San Francisco With Four Drone Shows (Aug. 27-30)
San Francisco is about to get a massive Pokémon makeover. The Pokémon World Championships are coming to the city August 28-30, 2026 bringing the world’s top Pokémon players to Moscone Center and Chase Center for three days of competition and celebration. Alongside the championship, the first-ever PokémonXP fan experience will take over downtown with interactive activities, panels, cosplay, exhibits and more.
But you don’t have to be a competitive Trainer to join in. The biggest free spectacle may be happening overhead, with three completely free Pokémon drone shows lighting up the sky above the Ferry Building. Shows are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 at approximately 9:35 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 30 at 9:20 p.m. Good viewing spots include Harry Bridges Plaza, the waterfront behind the Ferry Building, Pier 1, Pier 14 and WETA Plaza.
And there’s actually a fourth Pokémon drone show on Thursday, Aug. 27, following the Giants’ Pokémon Worlds Night at Oracle Park. You’ll need a ticket to the Giants game to watch from inside the stadium, but the drone display should be visible for free from outside the ballpark, including around Willie Mays Plaza, McCovey Cove and China Basin Park. The postgame show is expected to happen roughly three hours after the game begins, so this one comes with a little more waiting around.
The Pokémon fun extends beyond the championship, too. Union Square will host a free outdoor screening of Pokémon: Detective Pikachu on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 with pre-show entertainment at 5 p.m. and the movie at 8 p.m. So grab your Poké Balls and prepare for a very Pokémon-heavy weekend.
Read more at SF.gov
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