Pokemon Mid-Year Celebrations Begin June 15 at Pokemon Stores
Starting June 15, official Pokemon Stores host casual Mid-Year Celebration events through August 16, with first-time prizes and exclusive playmats featuring Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig for TCG event winners.
Casual play is getting its own spotlight this summer. Starting June 15, 2026, official Pokemon Stores are hosting Mid-Year Celebration events, a laid-back series of in-store gatherings running through August 16. It is a low-pressure way to play, meet other collectors, and pick up a few exclusive items.
What the celebrations include
The Mid-Year Celebrations are built around casual events rather than cutthroat competition, and they include a few prizes being offered for the first time. The lineup spans the Pokemon TCG and other Pokemon titles, so there is something whether you sleeve up decks or play on the digital side.
- Event playmats featuring the Johto, Unova, and Galar first partners — Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig — for TCG event winners.
- Digital participation rewards for taking part across supported games.
- Game-specific prizes that vary by the title you choose to play.
Why first partners are everywhere right now
The Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig theme is not a coincidence. The same starters anchor the First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 arriving June 19, so the Mid-Year Celebration playmats slot neatly into a broader summer push around fan-favorite starters. If you are collecting that theme, these events are a chance to add a piece you cannot buy off a shelf.
How to take part
Mid-Year Celebrations run at participating Pokemon Stores, so availability depends on your region and local store schedule. The format favors newer and returning players: show up, play a few casual games, and earn participation rewards without needing a competitive record. For anyone who has wanted to get back into in-person play, a casual summer series with exclusive playmats on the line is a friendly on-ramp.
Eight weeks of casual events, exclusive starter playmats, and first-time prizes — the Mid-Year Celebrations are about getting people back to the table.