Mets 2026 promotional schedule and special events: Juan Soto bobbleheads, Bobby V Disguise Night and more

At Citi Field, a giveaway night can take on a life of its own. One game turns into a Juan Soto bobblehead chase. Another becomes a full-on nostalgia trip back to 1986. And then there’s Bobby Valentine Disguise Night, which is exactly the sort of chaotic, deeply specific Mets giveaway that instantly became one of the most talked-about items on the schedule.

The Mets’ 2026 promotional calendar already has plenty of personality, mixing star-driven bobbleheads, anniversary collectibles, specialty theme nights and summer fireworks. With many items available only in limited quantities at the gates, circling the right dates early is the best way to make sure you leave Citi Field with more than just a scorecard and a box score.

This is only the first wave of Mets promotions announced for the 2026 MLB season, and this story will be updated once the club releases the rest of its giveaway and special-event schedule later in the season.

How Mets promotional nights work 

The Mets have rolled out an early 2026 calendar that blends classic giveaway staples with a few ideas that feel especially specific to this franchise and this fan base. Some dates are built around collectible items handed out at the gate, while others are tied to special ticket packages, heritage nights or postgame events.

Distribution model and eligibility

Most Mets giveaways are first-come, first-served, and the standard allotment is usually the first 15,000 fans unless otherwise noted. Some of the biggest items are set for the first 18,000 fans, the magnet schedule is for all fans in attendance on Opening Day, and some kids items are limited to the first 5,000 children ages 12 and under. Each fan receives one item upon entry while supplies last, and promotion dates, items and distribution are subject to change or cancellation.

Why timing matters

Citi Field gates generally open 90 minutes before first pitch, and the Mets note that gate times can vary for doubleheaders, concerts and special game dates, so it’s smart to check before heading out. For the highest-demand promos, showing up at least 90 minutes before first pitch gives you the best shot at getting the item. The team’s own giveaway message is simple: get to the gate early.

2026 Mets bobblehead giveaway schedule

The early Mets schedule features a strong bobblehead lineup, with Juan Soto leading the way and a few crossover or borough-specific concepts giving the calendar extra personality.

Featured bobbleheads and dates

Saturday, April 11 at 4:10 p.m. ET vs. Athletics: Juan Soto 40/30 Bobblehead — first 18,000 fans

Saturday, April 25 at 4:10 p.m. ET vs. Colorado Rockies: Mr. Met at the Unisphere Light-Up Bobblehead — first 18,000 fans

Saturday, June 13 at 4:10 p.m. ET vs. Atlanta Braves: Hello Kitty Bobblehead — first 18,000 fans

Thursday, June 25 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Chicago Cubs: Juan Soto Baseball Card Bobblehead — first 18,000 fans

Why these nights stand out

Soto is the obvious headliner, and giving him two separate bobblehead nights in the first half says a lot about where the Mets think fan interest will be strongest. The Hello Kitty crossover should have broad appeal, while the Unisphere-themed Mr. Met bobblehead feels especially tailored to Queens.

2026 Mets jersey, apparel and collectible giveaway schedule

The Mets’ non-bobblehead items might be even more fun, especially if you like a promotional calendar with a little personality. The 1986 anniversary thread runs throughout the schedule, but the giveaway with the most potential to take over the group chat is Bobby Valentine Disguise Night.

Bobby Valentine Disguise Night

Friday, May 29 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Miami Marlins: Bobby Valentine Disguise — first 15,000 fans

This is the sort of giveaway only the Mets could really pull off. The nod to Bobby Valentine’s infamous 1999 disguise moment is weird, self-aware and instantly memorable — which makes it a perfect fit for Citi Field. It’s not just another promo item; it’s the kind of giveaway fans will actually talk about before, during and after the game.

1986 anniversary and retro giveaways

Thursday, March 26 at 1:15 p.m. ET vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: 2026 Magnet Schedule presented by Delta Air Lines — all fans.

Saturday, March 28 at 4:10 p.m. ET vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: 1986 World Series Championship Replica Ring — first 15,000 fans.

Tuesday, May 26 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Cincinnati Reds: 1986 World Champions Retro T-Shirt — first 15,000 fans.

The 1986 tie-ins give the Mets one of the more nostalgia-driven promo calendars in baseball this year, and that should resonate especially well with older fans and collectors.

Apparel and novelty items

Thursday, June 11 at 1:10 p.m. ET vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Mets Soccer Jersey presented by Coca-Cola — first 15,000 fans.

Monday, June 22 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Chicago Cubs: Mets Purse — first 15,000 fans.

Tuesday, June 23 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Chicago Cubs: Mets Chain Necklace — first 15,000 fans.

Wednesday, June 24 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Chicago Cubs: Marcus Semien Replica Jersey — first 15,000 fans.

Friday, June 26 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Mets Pride Sleeveless Jersey presented by Delta Air Lines — first 15,000 fans.

Kids giveaways

Sunday, March 29 at 1:40 p.m. ET vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: 5-Borough Race Kids Puzzle — first 5,000 kids 12 and under.

Sunday, June 14 at 1:40 p.m. ET vs. Atlanta Braves: Crayola Color Your Own Mrs. Met Bobblehead — first 5,000 kids 12 and under. 

2026 Mets special events and theme nights

Not every standout date on the Mets calendar is about what you pick up at the gate. Some of the best nights at Citi Field are built around the atmosphere, the crowd or the theme itself.

1986 iconic moments bobblehead series

The Mets are also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1986 team through a specialty-ticket bobblehead series featuring franchise legends. These aren’t standard gate giveaways, so they’re better thought of as special-event collectibles rather than first-come, first-served promos.

Theme and heritage nights

Among the April-through-June theme games already announced are Bark at the Park, College Night, First Responders Appreciation Night, Queens Culture Day, Italian Heritage Night, Star Wars Day, Medical Services Appreciation Night, Puerto Rican Heritage Night, Hello Kitty Night, Crayola Day, Black Legacy Night and Pride Night. Several of those include specialty items tied to separate ticket packages.

A few of the standout specialty-item games:

• Thursday, April 23 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Minnesota Twins: First Responders Appreciation Night — specialty Mets quarter zip with special ticket.

• Wednesday, May 13 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. Detroit Tigers: Italian Heritage Night — specialty Italian Heritage Mets jersey with special ticket.

• Thursday, May 14 at 1:10 p.m. ET vs. Detroit Tigers: Star Wars Day — specialty Nolan McLean Star Wars bobblehead with special ticket.

• Tuesday, June 9 at 7:10 p.m. ET vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Puerto Rican Heritage Night — specialty Francisco Lindor Puerto Rican Heritage Mets jersey with special ticket.

Fireworks nights

The Mets have also announced Fireworks Nights at Citi Field on Friday, May 29, Friday, June 12, Friday, July 24 and Friday, August 14, all weather permitting.

That gives Citi Field a nice mix of collectible-driven nights and broader family-event dates, especially once summer arrives.

How to buy Mets promotional night tickets on SeatGeek

From star-player bobbleheads to nostalgia-driven giveaways and quirky one-off concepts, the Mets’ 2026 promotional calendar already has a lot of variety. SeatGeek is the Official Ticket Marketplace of MLB and for the New York Mets, making it a natural place to compare dates and find the game that matches the item or event you’re targeting.

Search for specific promotional dates

Head to SeatGeek’s Mets page and search by date, whether you’re looking for a Soto bobblehead, Bobby Valentine Disguise Night or a Fireworks Night at Citi Field.

Compare prices with Deal Score

SeatGeek’s Deal Score can help you figure out whether a listing stands out as a good value compared with similar games on the schedule.

Use interactive seat maps

The interactive seat map lets you compare sections and sightlines before you buy, which can be especially helpful if you’re balancing budget, view and arrival strategy.

Secure your tickets

Tickets are delivered digitally to your SeatGeek account, so you can pull them up on your phone and head straight to the gates when you arrive.

Even in its first wave, the Mets’ 2026 schedule is packed with enough giveaway nights, theme events and summer dates to give fans plenty to plan around.