DENVER (KDVR) — In the summer of 2016, a phenomenon occurred that saw hundreds of millions of people walking around public spaces with their noses buried in their phones.

Passersby may have been confused as large crowds of people flocked to an area with the same sense of urgency as if an emergency were happening. Little did they know those people were participating in the newest chapter in one of the world's most popular video game franchises — Pokémon.

Nearly 10 years later, the initial hype has waned, but Pokémon GO is still alive and kicking, featuring a monthly player base of 90 million people.

A portion of those millions of fans will be celebrating Pokémon GO Fest in Aurora this summer. The festival is a worldwide event that offers premium in-game features for participating players.

FOX31 spoke to a community ambassador for the event in Aurora in an email interview.

Madison Gaines said that event organizers are leaning into the nostalgic, magical energy that made summer 2016 so special. When strangers became friends and parks filled with people catching Pokémon together.

Gaines said that the group has been meeting since October 2024, and is expecting about 200 people for each day of the festival, although a recent event saw about 150 people show up in just two hours. With Pokémon GO Fest being the largest event for the game, a larger crowd may gather.

Pokémon GO Fest has features, including:

• Local vendors
• Giveaways and themed activities
• Food trucks
• Community Pokémon GO gameplay and meetups
• A welcoming environment

Gaines has been planning the event since February, when Pokémon GO developer Niantic announced the dates.

"I would say about 90% of the people who attend live in Aurora. Our ethos is to bring the community together, make new friends, explore the area and have fun. We have supported local businesses while playing, and many who we partner with," said Gaines. "Pokémon GO has really evolved into more than just a mobile game. For many of us, it’s become a meaningful way to stay active, connect with others and explore our communities. What’s especially powerful is how it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s a community day meetup or a raid battle, you’ll often find strangers turning into friends simply through a shared love for Pokémon."

Gaines shared a story about how her previous love for the franchise evolved further after the release of Pokémon GO.

"My favorite Pokémon is and will always be Ponyta. However, my favorite Pokémon GO memory is going to Utah Park in Aurora in July of 2016, every night when the game first came out. That park was known as a Dratini nest, and was one of the rarer Pokémon in the game at the time.  There were thousands of people all over the park each night, all summer," said Gaines. "I always say this, but summer 2016 playing Pokémon GO was the closest we ever came to world peace. Today, we are quickly starting to see Pokémon GO 2016 in a new way with a new audience."

The Pokémon GO Fest in Aurora will take place at the Aurora Municipal Center on June 28 and at Utah Park on June 29.

More information can be found on the Aurora Legendary Trainers' Campfire page.