Halloween is almost here, and Pokemon Go is getting into the spooky spirit with its annual Halloween celebration. This year's event takes place across two parts that run into early November, each of which will offer new Pokemon, Research tasks, and other bonuses.

To help you prepare, here's everything you need to know about Pokemon Go's Halloween 2026 event.

The first part of this year's Halloween event kicks off at 10 AM local time on October 27 and runs until 10 AM local time on November 1.

Like previous years, a handful of new costumed Pokemon will make their debut during the Halloween festivities.

You can encounter the aforementioned Pokemon in the wild or as one-star Raid bosses. Shiny variants will also be appearing throughout the event.

In addition, some costume-wearing Pokemon from previous years will appear in the wild once again, as will other creepy monsters like Duskull and Misdreavus.

Pokemon Go is offering a free Timed Research for all players.

Some Halloween-themed Field Research tasks will also be available during the event. You can claim these by spinning PokeStops, and they'll offer various rewards when completed, including additional encounters with the featured Pokemon.

A spooky new Mega-Evolved Pokemon is making its debut on Halloween: Mega Chandelure.

The ghost/fire type will appear as a Super Mega Raid boss on October 31 from 2-5 PM local time, marking your first chance to get this Mega-Evolved form in Pokemon Go. Not only that, but you'll have increased odds of encountering shiny Chandelure from these Raids, and any Chandelure that you catch will have Mega Level 1 already unlocked.

A few other bonuses will be available during this mini-event. The number of Remote Raids you can join is being increased to 20 for a limited time, and you'll be able to get up to six free Raid Passes when you spin the Photo Disc at Gyms.

Like past years, Pokemon Go will receive a spooky makeover during the Halloween event. The usual nighttime background music will be replaced by a remix of the infamous Lavender Town theme, and Gyms and PokeStops will be decked out in Halloween decorations.

On top of that, the game will offer its own version of trick-or-treating. As you play, you'll periodically notice gift boxes on the map. Tap on these and you'll receive candy or initiate an encounter with a costumed Pokemon.

Finally, a few additional bonuses will unlock as you level up the event's Go Pass. Hit rank 10 and you'll receive extra candy for catching Pokemon, and you'll earn bonus Stardust on top of that if you reach rank 20.

This year's Halloween festivities will continue into early November. Part II begins at 10 AM local time on November 1 and runs until 8 PM local time on November 5.

Like Part I, a new Pokemon is debuting during the second leg of this year's Halloween event: shiny Greavard. This marks the first time you'll have a chance to encounter this shiny variant in Pokemon Go.

Mega Sableye is also getting a power boost. Beginning with Part II, you'll be able to power up the Pokemon's Mega Level up to Super Max Level, which means it'll have access to an additional Charged Attack, Night Shade+--while it's Mega Evolved.

A few other themed Pokemon will also be available during the event. Costumed versions of Gengar and Rowlet will appear in the wild, as will ghost types like Litwick.

Another free Timed Research will be available during the second part of this year's Halloween event.

A variety of Field Research tasks will also be available. These can be claimed from PokeStops and will reward you with encounters with the event's featured Pokemon upon completion.

October may be coming to an end soon, but Pokemon Go has plenty of activities lined up for next month, including a global Wild Area event and a Pawniard Community Day. Check back soon for our November events roundup.