Some experts predict that tonight’s presidential debate will be the most watched political event in U.S. history. In anticipation, District groups and restaurants are rounding folks up for discussions, games, phone banking, and of course, politically-inspired drinks. Here are 18 places where D.C. residents are gathering to see Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in their first public face off this election season, which starts at 9 p.m.
Local 16 rooftop. Photo via Facebook.
LOCAL 16: Network For Progress is looking to unite progressives, democrats, “Hillraisers,” and “Berners,” among others, in the U Street corridor. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with networking and pizza. And at 8 p.m., the group will host a “speed unify-ing” session where Clinton and Sanders supporters can give “complimentary words about their former rivals around the room.”
Standard tickets are $5. You can purchase them here.
TORTILLA COAST: Emerge America and Emerge Virginia are hosting “Pantsuit Bingo” on Capitol Hill. The game will feature words and phrases that you’ll likely hear from candidates during the debate. Guests will also hear remarks from Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and have chances to win several prizes. The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $20 (there are student and congressional intern discounts). Tickets include two raffle tickets and two bingo boards. You can purchase them here.
NUMBER 9: The Human Rights Campaign for Greater D.C. invites 21+ folks to Logan Circle for buy-one-get-one-free drinks specials and debate screening. Guests and others can prep for the debate by downloading the HRC’s equality bingo game.
Get more info here.
LAUGHING MAN TAVERN: Foreign Policy Professionals for Hillary will phone bank this eventing at 6 p.m. at 601 13th Street, NW. Then, the group will head to the nearby Laughing Man Tavern “to kick back and watch the debate together!”
Get more info here.
SHAW’S TAVERN: This neighborhood spot’s watch party offers half priced pizza and drink specials all night.
Get more info here.
President Barack Obama visits Busboys and Poets in April. Photo via Facebook.
BUSBOYS AND POETS: Each location is hosting its own debate shindig, but all will offer streaming on large screens, complimentary skittles, and drink specials. Among other happenings, the flagship location will welcome Bill Ayers to present his new book Demand the Impossible: A Radical Manifesto, the downtown location will have an election-themed bingo run by DC Unite Against Hate, and after the debate in Brookland, guests can stick around for the “Speak Your Peace Open Mic” session.
Find out what else is in store here.
UNIONTOWN BAR & GRILL: D.C. for Hillary is hosting a Ward 8 watch party at this neighborhood restaurant in Anacostia. The party gets started at 7 p.m.
Get more info here.
PRESIDENTS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL: D.C. Women for Hillary is phone banking for the Democratic nominee from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., then watching the debate inside of the Renaissance Washington hotel. The group’s section in the bar will have three TVs, food, and drinks. The group will also announce plans for the coming weeks “to help Hillary Clinton win in November,” and share how others can be involved.
Get more info here.
RI RA IRISH PUB: This Georgetown spot is hosting its watch party in its “Presidents Room.” The debate will air on a big screen, and the party begins at 8:30 p.m. with politically-inspired drink specials.
Get more info here.
Smith Commons on H Street NE. Photo via Facebook.
SMITH COMMONS: D.C. African Americans for Hillary is hosting a watch party on H Street NE. Guests can find out about upcoming volunteer and outreach opportunities, and enjoy happy hour specials all evening.
Get more info here.
CAPITOL LOUNGE: Complete with Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton impersonators, this Capitol Hill watch party begins at 8 p.m. Guests can also expect “Red vs. Blue” beer specials.
Get more info here.
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR: “The primary debates brought us small hands, damn emails, and so much more—come watch with us to find out what the general election has in store!” reads the U Street bar’s invitation to watch the debate tonight. And if that isn’t enticing enough, there will be $15 buckets of Bud products all night long. The viewing party starts at 9 p.m.
Get more info here.
POLITICS & PROSE: The Den, which will be decorated in red, white, and blue, will run a special happy hour beginning at 7 p.m. The restaurant “will be encouraging a lively conversation among the audience and taking predictions on how the evening will unfold.” And at 9 p.m. guests can head upstairs where the debate will be projected on a large screen. Refreshments will also be available from a drinks table upstairs.
Get more info here.
Newly renovated second floor at the Ugly Mug. Photo via Facebook.
THE UGLY MUG: This Eastern Market haunt is inviting folks to its newly opened rooftop bar for what’s “anticipated to be a night to remember.” The party starts at 7 p.m. with quick fire political trivia. Then, at 8 p.m., guest can play political bingo hosted by D.C. comedian Ralph Cooper. Drink specials include $4 Fat Tire, $4 Magic Hat, $4 Dogfish, and $5 Red & Blue Draft Tails. The debate will be screened on 13 TVs with surround sound.
Get more info here.
PENN SOCIAL: The gaming spot invites District residents to have a drink and watch the debate in Penn Quarter. It’ll also debut “Election Day: The Game,” a board game designed to “teach young people about political campaigns.” The festivities begin at 7 p.m.
Get more info here.
PARTHENON: D.C. for Hillary is hosting a Ward 3 meeting and watch party in Chevy Chase. At 7 p.m., the group will make calls to sign up Ward 3 residents for canvassing and phone banking assignments. At 8 p.m., they’ll share plans for the next seven weeks and how others can be of assistance. And at 9 p.m., “Hurrahs for Hillary” will begin.
Get more info here.
SIGN OF THE WHALE: D.C. for Hillary is hosting another watch party near Dupont Circle, beginning at 8 p.m.
Get more info here.
JAMES HOBAN’S IRISH RESTAURANT & BAR: This Dupont Circle bar is inviting folks to come out for free popcorn, bar specials, and debate watching.
Get more info here.
