Its been a little over two weeks since Pokemon Go officially was officially released in Canada, but clearly, Toronto residents are hooked. Hundreds of people have attended lure parties near the CN Tower and at Yonge-Dundas Square, and dozens of businesses advertise their free WiFi and PokeStop status outside stores and restaurants. It seems like everywhere you go, people of all ages are talking about Pokemon.
So its no surprise that Pokemon-inspired events have started popping up across town. From game meetups to dance parties, these events bring together Pokemon trainers in fun, social settings. Here are a few below.
MoveU Pokemon Go Party
Theres been numerous stories of Pokemon Go players losing weight from playing the game (newsflash: moving is exercising!). Move U of T at the University of Toronto wants to get in on the action, so theyre organizing a Pokemon Go workout party on August 4 from 6 to 7 pm. At the event, personal trainers from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education will provide tips for players on how to make the most of your Pokemon exercise time. Gotta be sure to stretch before you catch em all. The free all-ages event takes place at Goldering Centre for High Performance Sport (100 Devonshire Place). Bonus: there are several lure locations within a one-block radius of the event. See website for more details.
I Choose You: A Pokemon Inspired Dance Party
If youre not running around catching Pokemon at night, theres a Pokemon-inspired dance party happening at Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide) on August 5. Things get started at 10:30 pm and run late, and organizers have guaranteed that the Pokemon theme song will be played at least once. There will be Pokemon-themed drinks and decor and prizes for the best dressed. Tickets are $10 online in advance and $15 at the door. This is a 19+ event. See website for more details.
Downtown East Lure Party
Head to Riverdale Park West at noon on August 6 for a lure party hosted by the Toronto Pokemon Go Community, which has nearly 6,000 members on its Facebook page. Similar to previous lure parties at the CN Tower and Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, expect to meet hundreds of Pokemon trainers at this free, all-ages meet-up. According to the events Facebook page, there are three gyms and nine PokeStops at the park. Theres also a Tim Hortons nearby where players can recharge their phones. See website for more details.
Make It Pop: Pokemon Dance Party
If playing Pokemon Go has made you nostalgic for your youth, head to Studio Bar (824 Dundas West) on August 6 where a Pokemon-themed dance party promises tunes from the late-90s and early-2000s. Partake in Pika-approved fun with fellow Poke pals, compare your collection, trade and battle in gyms. There will also be a Pokemon photo booth and prizes. The dance party starts at 8 pm and tickets can be purchased for $10 online in advance. See website for more details.
Pokemon Go Pub Crawl
Hunt Pokemon and battle for territory while downing shots with friends on a Pokemon-themed pub crawl on August 19. The meet-up will stop at three bars downtown: Tequila Jacks (184 Pearl), Orchid Nightclub (82 Peter) and Fiction club (180 Pearl) over the course of five hours. Tickets are sold online based on teams (Valor, Instinct and Mystic) and the $20 to $25 ticket includes a souvenir T-shirt, Pokemon-themed drink specials, giveaways and a chance to win a $500 Pokemon prize pack. See website for more details.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
