The Democratic National Convention, in addition to performing the vital function of furthering the peaceful transfer of power in the world’s most powerful democratic republic, has one big side effect: It’s party time.
Parties for the DNC are taking place every day throughout the event, as well as the weekend before. Some organizers are asking for thousands of dollars to support charity to rub elbows with the rich and famous. Others are at dive bars where you can talk with marijuana advocates about the convention. And there’s everything in between.
We’re keeping a running list of the parties and events you can check out for the DNC. Know of one we missed? Email us at contact@billypenn.com and we’ll consider adding it.
The can’t-miss big events
From the week-long PoliticalFest to a benefit concert for veterans at the Trocadero, these are the top events of the week that our among our top picks.
A non-partisan project, this multi-day festival is open to everyone, and includes displays and attractions at seven locations. Look for exhibits, live performances, games, competitions and panel discussions.
Where
Various venues at Center City addresses
When
July 22, 2016 at 10:00 am to July 27, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Philly Feast will be a Night Market-style food truck festival that will take place during the day and will kick off Convention Week. The festival will include a diverse lineup of locally-based food trucks, live music, and retail vendors.
We are hosting a Live Fact Check event and all are welcome to attend. Attendees will be able to mingle with people from Philadelphia’s political environment, PolitiFact experts and Billy Penn readers. Food, drinks and a full coffee bar will be available. Most importantly? We'll be putting on a live PolitiFact Fact Check.
Dinner, dancing and fun as actress Vivica Fox hosts a 2016 Democratic National Convention Watch Party featuring a performance by Howard Hewett. Leaders and organizers from across the nation are #celebratingtheBlackvote at Penn's Landing.
Where
Penns Landing Caterers at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.
When
July 26, 2016 at 7:30 pm to July 27, 2016 at 12:00 am
DNC attendees can get a free concert from Lady Gaga, Lenny Kravitz and DJ Jazzy Jeff to celebrate the last day of the convention, courtesy of NJ party boss George Norcross. They've just got to go to Camden.
BYO chair or blanket and score discounts from Crabby's Cafe, Gunners Run and the Wahlburgers food truck (plus more deals from the spots across the street at Liberties Walk) as you watch on the 400-square-foot high-def outdoor TV.
Where
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons at 1001 N 2nd St. 19123
Snoop Dogg is headlining a Democratic Party "unity party" after the last night of the DNC. The event is hosted by Priorities USA, the Senate Majority PAC and the House Majority PAC.
Dubbed the (Un)Official DNC Rock N' Roll Dance Kick-Off Party feat. RENEGADE w/ Special Guest DJs," Johnny Brenda's presents your final chance to see Renegade in the group's farewell performance.
AL DÍA is pleased to celebrate Philadelphia's political convention history both past and present as we commemorate the 2016 DNC in style, at the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent. Come and enjoy unlimited food and open bar at this exciting and historical event celebration. A portion of each ticket sale will go to the AL DÍA Foundation to promote advancements in Journalism in Latino & Multicultural communities.
Where
Philadelphia History Museum at 15 South 7th Street
For the first time in history, a woman is being nominated for President of The United States at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. So the Walnut Club is hosting an event centered around this historic election that both welcomes the DNC while also honoring women.
Join the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and its many allies for a fundraising reception in the Lincoln Room at the Union League in Philadelphia. MPP’s Rob Kampia will give an overview of legalization efforts along with information addressing the implementation of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law. Guests include Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). and state Sen. Daylin Leach (D-PA.)
In 1972, political journalist Timothy Crouse’s book Boys on the Bus captured the unique experience of journalists covering the Presidential campaign. But the boys on the 1972 bus would not recognize the experience of their counterparts today, the young people (boys AND girls) covering the 2016 presidential election. Chris Satullo, former Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and Director of News and Civic Engagement at WHYY, leads a conversation with four journalists covering the 2016 race: Scott Detrow (NPR), Caitlin Huey-Burns (Real Clear Politics), Jenna Johnson (Washington Post), Dan Merica (CNN) and Zeke J. Miller (Time Magazine). Be sure to register online.
Where
Pipeline at The Graham Building at 30. S. 15th St.
Join Organizer Inc. in discussing how progressive tech and data will shape the upcoming election. You’ll be hearing from leaders in the intersection of tech and politics on topics like what a truly integrated and responsive campaign looks like.
Where
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks at 1 South Broad Street
When
July 24, 2016 at 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
How much
Free to attend, but register ASAP due to limited seating
LibertyPA, EqualityPA and the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club have teamed up to welcome LGBT Delegates from around the nation as they arrive in Philadelphia for the DNC. Everyone is welcome. Drink specials and food trucks will be set up on 13th Street outside of the bar.
Check out Connies Ric Rac for a night of music, comedy and speeches from cannabis advocates. Performers and speakers to be announced. Hosted by Philly NORML.
Please join members of the Genevieve Society, delegates, women elected officials, and invited guests for a Democratic National Convention event honoring women in government.
Where
The Oar Pub at Park Towne Place Museum District Residences at 2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Come see and hear the best ideas from America's civic tech and political reform communities that will help reinvigorate democracy in the US. Vote for the idea you think has the most promise.
Where
Microsoft Innovation Center at the University City Science Center at 3711 Market Street
The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp + Drug Policy Action is hosting a DNC welcome party at BOP Restaurant. State Sen. Daylin Leach and other elected officials are expected to be in attendance.
Led by POLITICO's team of reporters and editors, programming at the Politico Hub will include newsmaker interviews, a live convening of the Politico Caucus, policy luncheons and Nightly Lounges to take in the news of the day and watch streaming speeches from the DNC.
Where
Politico Hub at the DNC at 2001 Market Street, 2 Commerce Square
Dr. Dilsad Dayani is an International Speaker, broadcast journalist and best-selling author of the book "Confrontation 9." Other speakers include: State Rep. Vanessa Brown, Filmmaker Fiona Dawson and Immigration Attorney David Kaplan.
The Philly small business community is throwing a party for the DNC. Come shop til you drop, all in one place. There will be food, drink and dancing to accompany you while shopping.
Mighty Writers, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit that teaches students ages seven to 17 to think clearly and write with clarity, plans to set a new Guinness World Record for greatest number of kids writing at the same place and time. The record-setting attempt will take place the week of the DNC on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some 3,000 students are expected to participate.
Where
Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Join the Philadelphia Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community at a special dim sum luncheon for AAPI delegates, elected officials, dignitaries and friends.
Join Global Citizen and Pfizer for a moderated panel and luncheon event. Editor of Forbes Randall Lane will moderate a panel that includes reps. from Pfizer and Global Citizen as well as Sen. Chris Coons and Peter Yeo of the United Nations Foundation.
Come out to hear and tell stories about the inside world of politics, with special guests like former mayor John Street and recent internet sensation R. Eric Thomas. Philadelphia journalists, candidates, officials and citizens are welcome to tell all.
Please join the Electing Women Alliance and Represent PAC for a special Democratic National Convention event featuring current and former Democratic U.S. Senators, Governors, and 2016 candidates and special guests including Gov. Kate Brown (OR), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Hon. Wendy Davis (TX), and Sen. Kay Hagan (NC).
On Wednesday afternoon, the Democratic National Committee & the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Council is turning the 1800 block of East Passyunk Avenue between Mifflin and Moore Streets into a mini trip around the world with the first-ever DNC Heritage Festival. Fare from around the globe will be available for $3 - $5.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Maryland State Sen. Catherine Pugh and Philadelphia State Sen. Vincent Hughes are speaking at the event and leading discussion on jobs, wages and economic opportunity in revitalizing urban America.
Where
Mayor's reception room, City Hall at 15th and Market Streets
East Passyunk Avenue will be closed from Broad Street to the Singing Fountain at Tasker Street, and filled with street food, outdoor bars, al fresco dining, vendors, and live music, as well as the weekly Farmers’ Market. Select shops and restaurants will be staying open until 1 a.m. to accommodate DNC visiting delegates, with special bar menus, drink specials, and shopping promotions. Most specials will be available during the entire convention.
Where
Various
When
July 27, 2016 at 5:00 pm to July 28, 2016 at 1:00 am
These parties are either sold out, difficult to get into or a little pricey. But they’re worth knowing about! Just in case you want to hang with some celebrities and have $7,500 to sling to get the Creative Coalition’s bash.
This charity gala event – which brings together leaders from entertainment, policy and the business communities – features Fergie. This place will be celebrity central.
