If you're on the lookout for rare Pokémon, you should stay up to date on special Pokémon distributions. The Pokémon you get from them are usually quite different from any you can obtain in normal gameplay. Some may be Shiny Pokémon, while others may know moves that Pokémon of their species can't normally learn. They are also often found in a Cherish Ball, a special Poké Ball that can't be obtained by other means.
Check out the list of ongoing events in North America below to find out how you can add some of these rare Pokémon to your collection. These Pokémon may be available via the Nintendo Network, a Pokémon Pass event at a participating retailer, a QR Code, or by visiting a specific real world event. The events that began most recently are listed first.
You can also check out past Pokémon distributions.