Pokémon fever hit a new high with last week’s release of “Pokémon Go,” a mobile app augmented-reality game based on the popular 1990s Nintendo video game and its animated television series.
In just a few days, the game became so popular that it prompted officials to release advisories and safety tips for the masses of people venturing out to catch Pikachu and the game’s other cute virtual creatures.
Hunting for Pokémon is even becoming a group sport, with plenty of opportunities in the next few weeks to join a San Francisco crawl or other Bay Area outing alongside like-minded fans who “gotta catch ’em all.”
Themed drinks, face painting, Pokémon costumes and more are promised at this ticketed “Pokémon Go” event at the Bespoke event space in the Westfield Mall.
Organizers say the market area is a game hot spot.
More than 4,500 people are signed up to attend this San Francisco-wide PokéCrawl, and the bar-hopping map isn’t even complete.
Various locations, S.F. www.facebook.com/events/1779733858973460/?active_tab=highlights
Fort Mason — “Pokémon Go” Crawl: A Meetup group is starting a crawl in Fort Mason and heading toward the Mission District as part of the bigger (aforementioned) citywide event.
Start at the Iron & Gold bar and crawl through the Mission from Bernal Heights toward 16th Street — with detours to Valencia Street, which is apparently a Pokémon hot spot.
For those really determined, head to Sacramento for the city’s crawl and drinking session.
The crawl route is still “under construction,” but plans are to meet at Sutter’s Fort.
Don a onesie and follow route organizers from Treehouse Space through the historic neighborhood.
First Friday Pokémon Crawl:
First Friday in Oakland wouldn’t be complete without Pokémon.
Start at Blind Tiger and end the night at Club BNB with its game-night Pokémon edition, which features themed drinks and “lures.”
