Pokémon Day Out Event in Brooklyn This Weekend Tips

Pokémon fans, catch this amazing weekend of free activities courtesy of the The Pokémon Company in NYC!

Pokémon Day at Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6 is happening right now, and we went the first day to get the lay of the land. Pokémon Day Out is a family-friendly event celebrating 30 years of Pokémon and the What's Your Favorite campaign. Each kiosk includes fun and exciting games promoting the world of Pokémon and their adorable inhabitants!

Expect meet and greets all day of your favorite Pokémon!

Pokémon Day Out is a family-friendly event from 10 AM - 7 PM running from July 24 to July 26, 2026! Reservations are recommended, and can be found here. However, if you cannot snag reservations, there is a shaded standby line. 

If you're coming from Queens, take the ferry from Astoria. There is very limited street parking in Brooklyn Heights.

Pokémon Day Out will make their next stop in Dresden, Germany August 1 and 2. The next stop will be in Mexico City, Mexico on August 8 and 9, 2026.

This is a free event and totally fun for the whole family! If you didn’t get reservations, there is a shaded stand by line. I would recommend coming either when it first opens at 10 AM or later in the day. 

To have the best possible time, I recommend the following:

• Bring a refillable water jug. There are refill stations throughout the event.

• Bring hats and/or an umbrella. I would also recoemmend travel fans, I use these fans and they are also phone chargers for my whole family. (affiliate link) My poor son was overheated even though we kept them as cool as we could! The fans are a must!

• There are food trucks for quick snacks and clean bathrooms.

• Expect to wait in lines for activations. Some lines move quickly, some are longer. For example, the Nintendo Pokemon Pokopia kiosk was a 40 minute wait. I would recommend making that your first stop, then heading to the other activations.

• Brush up on your Pokémon trivia! My son won second place and walked away with a great prize! Pokémon Poké Ball Beach Balls from the Pokémon Center.

What to Expect

Once you choose your starter Pokémon, you’ll get a badge and after you complete the challenges you’ll get a sticker where you can “trade” in for a fabulous prize! Expect meet and greets with your favorite starters like Fuecoco, Sprigatito, Quaxley—Pikachu, Snorlax, and Eevee were there too!! You can keep your lanyard.

Marcello won 2nd place in Pokémon Trivia representing Squirtle! Congrats to the winner, Joshua! 

We had the best day! I highly recommend that you go if you’re Pokémon loving family and fans — like us!! 

Thank you to The Pokémon Company for having us today—it was the best day ever!!!! 

Celebrating PAC-MAN: The Ultimate Guide to PAC-MAN’s Month-Long Birthday Bash!

The Big Event: PAC-MAN Takeover at The Paley Museum (May 16, 2026)

Get ready to power up, video game fans! Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is pulling out all the stops to celebrate everyone’s favorite yellow, ghost-chomping icon of our childhoods, PAC-MAN, with a new animated shorts series, and activations nationwide.

With this year’s theme, "Connect the Dots," the celebration is bridging PAC-MAN’s legendary past with an exciting future through incredible new storytelling, in-game crossovers, and massive live events.

If you are looking to join the party, here is everything you need to know—including a massive event happening tomorrow, May 16, at The Paley Museum! Get your tickets now!

If you are in or around New York City, clear your schedule for tomorrow! Coinciding with the museum's "45 Years of PAC-MAN" exhibition running through June 7, 2026, The Paley Museum is hosting an epic birthday event packed with exclusive experiences for fans of all ages.

What’s Happening at Paley?

• Exclusive Screenings & Panel: Get a sneak peek! Catch a special advance screening of the premiere episode of the upcoming animated series, PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks™, alongside an insider panel discussion.

• The PAC-MAN CHOMPIONSHIP Tournament: Think you’ve got the highest skills? Compete against other players on the classic PAC-MAN arcade game. The top scorer will walk away with a grand prize of a PAC-MAN Arcade Pub Table, and the official title of "PAC-MAN NYC Chompion 2026."

• Fan Activations: Enjoy classic arcade games, photo-ops with PAC-MAN meet-and-greets, historic gaming artifacts, crafts for kids, and exciting giveaways.

Coming Soon: “PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks”

Can’t make it to NYC? No sweat! You can still join the fun digitally, because Bandai Namco has partnered with the New York-based animation studio Cartuna to create PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks, a hilarious, retro-inspired animated short series making its debut on May 22, 2026.

PAC-MAN's new series is all about new beginnings!  

PAC-MAN leaves PAC-Village behind for the fast-paced, neon sprawl of NEW PAC-CITY, turning everyday life into high-speed, snack-fueled adventures. Naturally, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde (Team Ghost) are always hot on his tail!

Directed by Noah Pardo, the series features a stellar voice cast—including Mike Cefalo as PAC-MAN and Inky—and is tailored perfectly for digital audiences.

• Release Date: May 22 (PAC-MAN Day)

• Where to Watch: The official PAC-MAN YouTube Channel, with new episodes dropping every month. Check out the brand-new teaser trailer right now!

Exciting In-Game Promotions

The birthday perks extend straight to your screens with awesome gaming crossovers and freebies:

Fruit Ninja x PAC-MAN Crossover

Starting May 6, PAC-MAN is invading Fruit Ninja! Players can jump into four limited-time, PAC-MAN-themed in-game events to unlock exclusive themed blades, dojos, and other special rewards.

Free DLC for PAC-MAN WORLD™ Re-PAC

As a special thank-you to the community, a brand-new free birthday costume is being added to Nova’s Costume Shop. Suit up and take on your next grand adventure through Pac-Land in style!

The Celebration is Just Getting Started

Whether you are competing for the crown at The Paley Museum tomorrow, slicing fruit in Fruit Ninja, or waiting for the premiere of Snack Breaks on May 22, there has never been a better time to be a PAC-MAN fan. Bandai Namco has promised even more live events across NYC and Los Angeles will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

Are you planning to test your skills at the Paley Museum tournament tomorrow, or are you tuning in for the animated shorts?

HAPPY 46th BIRTHDAY, PAC-MAN!

Sidequest to NYC Video Game Festival 2026!

THAT’S A WRAP ON THE NYC VIDEO GAME FESTIVAL! 🎬🎮

Level 1 of the NYC Summer of Games is officially complete, and the energy at Brookfield Place was absolutely electric! Don't worry NYC is just getting started with the official kick off of the Summer of Games with the NYC Video Game Festival on May 9, 2026.

Mayor Mamdani as a Minecraft build! 

New York City is one of the fastest-growing hubs for gaming jobs in the country, and this administration is committed to making sure that growth reaches every borough,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “The students competing here today are building real skills — in coding, design, and collaboration — and we intend to make sure they have every opportunity to turn those skills into careers right here at home.

We spent the day on the show floor celebrating the 2nd Annual New York City Video Game Festival in Battery Park. The event was was sponsored by NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) along with a full event program showcasing the gaming skills of NYC schools students from Elementary to High School competing in the Mayor's Cup battling for the title of Best of the Borough (BOTB). 

Presenting the middle school winner MOME Commissioner Rafael Espinal was on hand to give out the first trophy of the day to Middle Schoolers Manhattan's NEST+. 2025 defending champions in the Elementary division, team Hyper Pigmentation from Brooklyn’s PS 889, took first place. For High School, Staten Island’s Tottenville won in their division. The students each built a sustainable NYC landmark creating inclusive spaces for all. The overall theme from all of the presentations focuses on togetherness, conservation, and energy efficiency. Students used Minecraft Education to showcase their creations, and the energy was high and the vibe was electric with HOT97 FM radio host, 

Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams, hyping up the crowd. 

Gerard "HipHopGamer" Williams let his voice be heard during the competition,

I’m completely blown away, I saw a level of greatness in New York City that is not promoted and marketed every day and this changes now. BROOKLYN STUDENTS won the elementary championship in Minecraft, but NEW YORK CITY won the hearts of the community. We need to invest even more into this industry to show that gaming can be a path for a better society.

 

College students also participated in the The NYC Collegiate Esports Circuit Finals (NYCCEC), produced with Video Game Amateurs (VGA). The City College of NY (CCNY) won the League of LegendsⓇ competition. Pace University won the ValorantⓇ competition. For the first time this year, the collegiate finalists shared in a $10,000 prize pool thanks to Red Bull™ and proceeds from festival ticket sales. 

Here are our top highlights from our experience, and why you should visit next and experience the NYC Summer of Games 2026! 

• Battle of the Boroughs Mastery: The Minecraft Mayor’s Cup was a total masterclass in young ingenuity! It was amazing to see K-12 students from all five boroughs step up as junior urban planners, building epic, sustainable versions of NYC. Huge congratulations to the participants and the winners! As native New Yorkers, we were beaming with pride watching NYC school students compete in the Battle of the Boroughs. 

• Chit-Chatting with Indie Devs: We got to talk shop with some of the brilliant minds behind the local indie scene. Hearing their creative process and seeing their passion projects in action is all the proof you need that NYC’s developer community is unmatched. My sons loved the Work Simulator game, which gives students a peek into the daily life of actual professions in healthcare and law enforcement. There’s also a new game that incorporates PvP in real using a phone as a way to play, Thumb Wars!

• Tech for the Next Generation: One of the coolest parts of the day was seeing massive tech and gaming companies gather with a shared mission: bringing cutting-edge technology, hardware, and digital media career pathways straight into NYC schools. The future of esports and game dev starts right here in the classroom! I was so impressed with Community X. The people behind it are students themselves, and they help provide tech to schools like streaming tech, and more.  

What's in store from the Summer of Games?

Tribeca Games Gallery – June 10-14

Pier 57, Open to the Public | https://tribecafilm.com/festival/games    

Power Up Festival – June 20
La Bodega NY Studio, 696 East 135th St., The Bronx, NY 10454
https://powerupfestival.eventbrite.com/

PALEYGX GAMING & VR – July 15
The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd St, NYC
https://www.paleycenter.org/events/paleygx-family

Games for Change Festival – July 21-22
The Glasshouse
https://festival.gamesforchange.org/

New York Videogame Critics Circle Stream-a-thon for Playing With Purpose – August 16, 8am-10pm
https://nygamecritics.com

Play NYC 2026 – August 22-24
Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY
https://play.nyc/

GAME DEVS OF COLOR EXPO – September 22-25
https://www.gamedevsofcolorexpo.com/

If you missed out on a ticket, don’t forget you can still catch tons of the summer’s upcoming competitive action live on Twitch!

Here’s more info for the Summer of Games, and experience the fun in person!

Huge thank you to MOME for the invitation to New York Video Game Festival! 

NYC is the Epicenter of Gaming: Your Guide to the NYC Summer of Games 2026

NYC is the Epicenter of Gaming: Your Guide to the NYC Summer of Games 2026

The pixels are aligning, and the lag is non-existent—New York City is officially the place to be for gamers this year. While the West Coast often dominates the conversation, the NYC Summer of Games 2026 is proving that the Big Apple is the true epicenter of the gaming world. From May through September, all five boroughs are transforming into a massive, playable map filled with tournaments, indie showcases, and industry-defining festivals.

Whether you are a retro enthusiast who still dreams in 8-bit or an aspiring developer looking to build the next big engine, this summer lineup is a literal power-up for your calendar.

A Gaming Tradition Continues in Battery Park

Kicking off the video games season and the push to bring video game development to the Big Apple starts with the 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival 2026 on May 9, 2026. The NYCVGF is the perfect place for gamers, video game developers, and retro game enthusiasts to come together and share their love of video games. 

Bringing the Boogie to the Bronx -- Miles Music Kid Brings 1,000 Ukuleles to Bronx Classrooms

Music has the power to transform a classroom, but for many students, the biggest barrier to creativity isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of tools. NYC students were blessed this week with a gift of musical instruments and a visit from viral sensation, Miles Bonham, also known as Miles Music Kid on social media. 

Bonham isn't just a person gone viral, he is a kid and a multitalented musician with a passion for helping people, especially kids his own age. 

Bonham teamed up with Education Through Music (ETM) and The Guitar Center Music Foundation to bridge that gap in a big way.

More Than Just a Donation

It’s one thing to talk about music education; it’s another to put an instrument in a child's hands. During his visit, Bonham helped facilitate a massive donation of 1,000 Ukuleles and three DJ Decks. 

These instruments, provided by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, ensure that students in under-resourced schools have the same opportunity to express themselves as the pros do. Bonham shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so important:

I’m so lucky that I have instruments around my house... but some people don’t have that even though they love music just as much as I do. I’m really happy knowing that we are giving these kids all of this musical gear so they can have something to go to whenever they feel like they want to express themselves.

Creativity in Action

The visit wasn't just about the gear—it was about the music. Bonham spent the day diving into the creative process with the students. He performed on the guitar and, in a true display of his production skills, sampled the students' voices and classroom sounds to build a track right then and there.

By introducing both traditional instruments like the ukulele and modern tools like DJ decks, the initiative gives students a diverse toolkit to explore their own unique sounds.

A Mission for Equity

This event supports ETM’s “Making Minds Sing!” mission. For over 30 years, Education Through Music has fought to make music a core subject in New York City schools, providing instruction and training where it’s needed most.

Bree Bowles, Senior VP at Republic Records: Kids & Family, noted the impact of seeing the students' reactions firsthand: "Being in the classroom with Miles and seeing how students respond to music in real time is a powerful reminder of why this work matters."

Why It Matters

When a child learns to play an instrument, they aren't just learning notes; they are building confidence, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging. As Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of ETM, put it, these experiences are truly transformative.

Through the combined efforts of artists like Miles, the support of Republic Records, and the generosity of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, 1,000 students in the Bronx just got a lot closer to finding their voice.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family launched as the official children’s division of Republic Records in 2022. The division caters to audiences ages 0-12 with fun and family-friendly music, collaborations, and experiences tailored to early development. Aimed to entertain the whole family, it offers engaging, educational, and explorative content, leveraging innovative partnerships with trusted brands such as Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal and many more. With an emphasis on high-quality music and world-class presentation, Republic Records: Kids & Family appeals to little ears and beyond. 

ABOUT EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC (ETM):

Founded in 1991, Education Through Music (ETM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality music education by making it a core subject in under-resourced schools. ETM partners with school principals to provide comprehensive music programs, integrated into the school day and delivered by qualified music teachers, that foster academic achievement, emotional resilience, and personal growth. By providing music education to thousands of underserved students across New York City who would otherwise go without, ETM is “making minds sing” and building the foundation for the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.ETMonline.org.

ABOUT THE GUITAR CENTER MUSIC FOUNDATION:

For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from GCMF’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs. By providing these programs with all types of instruments and advocating for the benefits of music education and music therapy, GCMF furthers its mission of giving people the chance to create and express themselves through music. For more information about The Guitar Center Music Foundation, please visit http://guitarcenterfoundation.org/.

Update! Rokimoto Snoopy Puffer Santa Drop at FAO Schwarz NYC This Weekend!

Celebrate the Christmas Tree Arrival with the Exclusive Rokimoto Snoopy Puffer Santa Drop at FAO Schwarz!

Get ready, collectors and Snoopy fans! This November, Rockefeller Center isn't just celebrating the arrival of its iconic Christmas Tree; it's also hosting an exclusive, can't-miss Rokimoto Snoopy Puffer Santa figure drop right at FAO Schwarz Rockefeller Center. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable morning in New York City!

This highly anticipated event features the debut of Rokimoto’s limited-edition “Snoopy Puffer Santa (with pouch)” figure, making its grand entrance exclusively at the FAO Schwarz Rockefeller Plaza flagship.

The Limited Edition Snoopy Puffer Santa (Only 400 Available!)

This isn't just any collectible; it's a piece of holiday magic! The Snoopy Puffer Santa with Pouch figure is a unique design from Rokimoto, the cult collectible brand from Funmaker, Inc. You’ll want to be there early as there are only 400 of these special figures available. Each figure will be priced at $20, with a strict limit of two items per person to ensure as many fans as possible can get their hands on this exclusive FAO Schwarz Snoopy collectible. This is truly a collectible figure drop for the record books!

Mike Becker has officially canceled the signing portion of this event. 

Meet Funko Founder and Funmaker CEO Mike Becker in NYC

Adding to the excitement, fans will have the unique opportunity to meet Mike Becker, the legendary founder of Funko and current CEO of Funmaker, Inc. Becker will be on hand for a special signing event. This is a free and first-come, first-served opportunity, so if you want to get your Snoopy Puffer Santa signed by the visionary behind it, plan to arrive early!

If you've been a follower of my YouTube channel and blog, then we are Funko Fanatics! Mike Becker is a legend in our house, so this is such an incredible event! 

More Event Highlights to Look Forward To:

Beyond the exclusive Snoopy Puffer Santa drop and the Mike Becker signing, the event promises even more fun:

• Free Event Poster Giveaway: While supplies last, snag a commemorative event poster to remember the day.

• Snoopy Activations + Photo Ops: Throughout Rockefeller Plaza, look out for fun Snoopy photo ops and interactive activations perfect for capturing some holiday memories. These are fantastic chances for fans to immerse themselves in the Peanuts universe during this festive holiday season NYC event.

Event Details – Don't Miss Out!

This exclusive Rokimoto Snoopy drop and fan signing event is hosted by Rokimoto in partnership with FAO Schwarz.

Debut of Rokimoto’s limited edition “Snoopy Puffer Santa (with pouch)” figure, signing with Funmaker CEO Mike Becker, free poster giveaway, Snoopy photo ops.

WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET (Be early for the limited drop!)
WHERE: FAO Schwarz - Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

This is a must-attend for anyone looking for new Rokimoto releases, Peanuts collectible items, or simply a magical experience during the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrival. Get ready to line up for this epic NYC toy event on Saturday! In addition to this iconic drop, Snoopy fans will be able to participate in more Snoopy-themed fun outside of FAO, and will also get to see the arrival of the infamous Rockefeller Christmas Tree!

Be there, or be square!

🛑 Verizon Wants You To Put Your Phone Down, But Not Until After Reading This!

Verizon wants you to put your phones away, and help celebrate Global Day of Unplugging! 

Verizon is spreading awareness about digital wellness through their new series of initiatives. The first ever Verizon Digital Summit in New York City shared collaborations with Sesame Workshop, Discovery Education, et. al, to help educate today's tech users and share informative ways to tackle technology overuse. 

Play games, collect coins, battle other families at Verizon Arcade Unplugged this weekend! 

Drew Barrymore with the Verizon appointed expert panel at the first ever Verizon Digital Wellness Summit in NYC on March 6, 2025. 

The Verizon Digital Wellness Summit was hosted by Hollywood royalty, Drew Barrymore, where she helped Verizon unveil a series of initiatives to promote healthy digital habits for families through new strategic partnerships and programs alongside a panel of experts.

• Discovery Education: Collaborating on a new Digital Citizenship Initiative to provide K-12 students with free tools, resources and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. Content is free on the website and to classrooms within the Discovery Education Experience, an essential K-12 companion for engaged classrooms. 
• Sesame Workshop: Conducting a research study with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center focused on digital well-being of children during key developmental ages of 8 to 12. The findings will address challenges families face with technology use and guide the creation of future digital wellness programs. 
• My Digital TAT2: Partnering to offer free workshops in select Verizon retail stores for parents and caregivers, providing tools to foster children's digital wellness and navigate emerging tech trends.
• Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP: Developing a new digital wellness course for older adults, delivered both in-person and virtually through SeniorPlanet.org, focusing on safe and effective technology use, privacy protection, and staying connected.

Verizon also helps provide families peace of mind through the Verizon Family app, which includes features like location sharing, Parental Controls, Safe Walk with SOS, Crash Detection and Roadside assistance to keep loved ones connected and protected. 

If your little one has no smartphone yet, then no problem! 

Verizon makes it easy to keep track of your children without the addition of adding an additional phone to your plan with the Gizmo Watch. 

The Gizmo Watch comes in a variety of fun colors to choose from and has an affordable price point, holds 8 GB of storage, it can take photos, connect to loved ones via the Verizon Family app, play games, and so much more -- all while staying off of a cell phone. The new Gizmo Adventure watch does not have a camera and is for more rugged play. 

Looking for something fun and free to do in NYC this weekend? Then check out the Verizon Arcade Unplugged! Book your appointment here. 

The Verizon Arcade Unplugged is going on the road starting in April. Families nationwide will experience this fun, action-packed head-to-head installation where your brains and brawn take precedence over your tech skills. Cities in California, Texas, and other major cities will start seeing Verizon Arcade Unplugged popping up!

Showcasing the importance of offline connections at the Verizon Arcade Unplugged:

• IRL Gaming: To coincide with the Global Day of Unplugging, Verizon is launching the Verizon Arcade Unplugged pop-up experience, transforming digital games into life-sized, interactive challenges to encourage screen-free family time. The activation will be open to select partners on Friday, March 7 and A Parently Kidding member families on Saturday, March 8. Limited general admission tickets are available here. 

  

Tools that help provide peace of mind in a digital world:

• All-in-One Protection with the Verizon Family app: With features like location sharing, Parental Controls, Safe Walk with SOS, Crash Detection and Roadside assistance to keep families connected and protected. The Verizon Family app is available for all Verizon mobile customers on postpaid plans through the App Store and Google Play. More information is available at verizon.com/verizonfamily and Parenting in a Digital World.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.