It’s been a very hectic time for all things Pokémon, from the opening of PokéPark Kanto in Japan and the release of Pokémon Pokopia to the newly refurbished Pokémon Center at Jewel Changi Airport — and for good reason. The franchise is turning 30 this year, and celebrations are in full force, with Singapore getting its own lineup of activities.
As announced during the Pokémon 30th Anniversary press conference held in the city-state, The Pokémon Company has partnered with Changi Airport, Jewel, and Kallang to spread the cheer. First on the list is Pokémon Run, an interactive fun run that takes fans on a themed adventure from 7 to 8 November at The Kallang. Participants will begin their Trainer’s journey by choosing their first partner Pokémon and encounter challenges along the route, including Gym Battles, opportunities to complete their Pokédex Search Sheet, and chances to evolve their Pokémon.
Alongside themed checkpoints and interactive elements, the space includes a dedicated Festival Zone open to both the public and runners, who can enjoy immersive experiences showcasing the latest Pokémon content, dive into the franchise’s 30-year history, and catch Pikachu at meet-and-greet sessions in the Time Tunnel. Registered participants will receive the Runner’s Kit, comprising a drawstring bag, a Poké Ball-themed wristband, a special gym badge, lenticular cards and an accompanying display sheet, generic Pokémon stickers, a search sheet, and a finisher medal, while exclusive merchandise is available for purchase at the pop-up store.
Taking place over the same two days, PokéXciting! is celebrating its Southeast Asia debut with a large-scale, party-style spectacle at Changi Airport and Jewel. A mascot parade at Jewel Forest Valley is set to bring together all 27 Starter Pokémon across all nine generations of the video games, with special meet-and-greet sessions, activities, and photo spots spanning the entire airport. Terminal 3, meanwhile, will host stage shows featuring appearances by PokéXciting! Pikachu, a variation of the Electric-type critter who comes decked out in colour costumes unique to each city, including Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Manila, and Bangkok. In Singapore, it will debut in blue.
Additionally, Pokémon GO players can expect this Pikachu to pop up in-game, along with other activities such as Timed Research and the first cross-region GO Stamp Rally. Kicking off on 12 September, the latter involves collecting stamps from the PokéXciting! PokéStop in all five territories, which unlocks an encounter with PokéXciting! Pikachu and a local Location Background.
Pokémon Trading Card Game enthusiasts can also put their knowledge to the test by participating in a quiz rally held across Jewel, where they have to complete a questionnaire based on enlarged displays of individual cards, each focusing on one of the 27 Starter Pokémon.
Rounding out the 30th-anniversary celebrations in Singapore are shopping promotions that run from 3 November to 31 January 2027 at Jewel, and until 28 February 2027 at Changi Airport. Shoppers can purchase or redeem plush toys, a thermal bottle, and a travel blanket with a bag at both locations with a qualifying receipt from participating outlets, as well as an umbrella with a waterproof sleeve and cabin-sized or check-in luggage, exclusive to Jewel and Changi Airport, respectively.
The entire experience will last through the end of 2026, and fans can expect Lunar New Year-themed decorations when early 2027 rolls around. Both Pokémon Run 30 and PokéXciting! take place simultaneously on 7 and 8 November.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
