Remember the first time you chose your starter Pokémon? Was it the fiery Charmander, the leafy Bulbasaur, or the aquatic Squirtle? No matter what you chose, your choice probably cemented your love for a certain Pokémon for years to come. National Pokémon Day, observed on February 27, embraces this nostalgia, bringing back memories of trading cards on the playground, battling in the schoolyard, and the sheer excitement of discovering a rare Pokémon.
The date of the celebration marks the anniversary of the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan back in 1996. This day isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a vibrant celebration of how Pokémon has evolved into a global phenomenon, touching millions of lives and continuing to innovate and inspire. Maybe even more importantly, it’s a day when The Pokémon Company shares a lot of exciting Pokémon news with the community.
When Is National Pokémon Day?
Each year, on February 27, trainers around the world come together to celebrate National Pokémon Day, marking the anniversary of the original Pokémon games’ release in Japan. For future dates of this Pikachu-approved observation, check out our handy table so you never miss a chance to catch ’em all on this special day:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 27, Thursday |
| 2026 | February 27, Friday |
| 2027 | February 27, Saturday |
| 2028 | February 27, Sunday |
| 2029 | February 27, Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 27, Wednesday |
How to Celebrate National Pokémon Day?
Pokémon Day is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and ever-expanding universe of Pokémon. There are countless ways to celebrate this special day for both old and new fans. Here are some exciting ideas to make your Pokémon Day unforgettable:
Dive into the History of Pokémon
Understanding the roots of Pokémon can deepen your appreciation for the franchise. Spend some time exploring the origins of Pokémon, from the release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan to the global phenomenon it has become. To get started, why not watch this short video about Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of the Pokémon universe, and how his childhood interest in bug collecting, as well as his unique perspective as an autistic individual, inspired the game:
Revisit Classic Games
Celebrate by playing the games that started it all. Dust off your old Game Boy, boot up Pokémon Red or Blue, and embark on a nostalgic journey through the Kanto region. If you don’t have the originals, many classic games are available on the Nintendo eShop.
By the way, if you’re only familiar with the more recent games, why not learn a bit about the history and evolution of the Pokémon games by watching this video showing gameplay from every Pokémon game from 1996 to 2022:
Host a Pokémon Card Tournament
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has since 1996 been a significant part of the franchise. Celebrate by inviting friends over for a Pokémon TCG tournament. If you’re playing virtually, use online platforms to connect and compete.
And, if you’re new to the TCG, use this day to learn how to play and start your collection.
Watch the Pokémon Anime and Movies
The Pokémon anime series and movies are beloved by fans of all ages. Next National Pokémon Day, why not plan a movie night with friends or family? Stream classics like ‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ or newer releases like ‘Detective Pikachu’.
Don’t forget the popcorn and Poké-themed snacks!
Create and Share Fan Art
Express your love for Pokémon through creativity. Draw, paint, or craft your favorite Pokémon and share your creations online using hashtags like #PokemonDay #NationalPokemonDay.
Cosplay as Your Favorite Pokémon or Trainer
Dress up as your favorite Pokémon or trainer and share your costume with the community. Even if you are just having fun at home, cosplay adds an extra layer of excitement to the day. Famous Pokémon cosplay examples include celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, who dressed as Pikachu for the promotion of “Detective Pikachu”. Also, popular cosplayers such as Jessica Nigri have created some stunning Pokémon-inspired outfits. Alternatively, you can let these cosplay costumes from the Pokémon Cosplay Gathering inspire you:
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Pokémon Day is a time to embrace the joy and wonder of the Pokémon universe. So, grab your Poké Balls, gather your friends, and let’s make this Pokémon Day the best one yet!
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
