Updated Nov. 6
There’s one sentiment that applies no matter what party you support: the political process can be exhausting.
Happily, when the 2018 midterm election polls close on Nov. 6, it’ll be easy to kick back and relax. Philly has several Election Day watch parties and gatherings around town.
Come Tuesday evening, post up on a bar stool, incur a pleasant buzz and numb the sense of dread associated with our political system. Also, drinking isn’t the only thing going on at these events. Some are specifically geared toward family fun and community building.
Here’s a list of where to celebrate Election Day 2018 in Philadelphia.
Know another we should add? Tell us.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St., Midtown Village/Gayborhood
Time: 5 p.m.
Host: McGillin’s ownership
What: BBC America broadcast; results shown on TV; food and drink deals
This is the second time the BBC is coming to McGillin’s to record the election results. They apparently liked the vibe at Philly’s oldest continuously operating tavern when they came back in 2016 for the presidential election.
Lloyd Whiskey Bar
529 E. Girard Ave., Fishtown
Time: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Host: 18th Ward Democratic Organization
What: Results shown on TV; $5 at the door = food and drink discounts
This is where you should go if you wanna load up on fancy cocktails and food — or chat with some Democratic committeepeople from the River Wards.
2nd Story Brewing Co.
117 Chestnut St., Old City
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Host: Delaware County Libertarian Committee & Senate candidate Dale Kerns
What: Comfort food and local brews
This election night watch party will welcome Libertarian Philly residents, and anyone else who wants some politically engaged food and drink.
Lorraine Bar
1502 Brown St., Francisville
Time: All night
Host: Lorraine Bar
What: PBS election coverage all night
Near 15th and Ridge, this grungy Francisville bar is hosting what they’re calling an “unhappy hour” in honor of Election Day from 4 to 7 p.m. After that, they promise to stream election results all night.
Fiesta del Conteo de Votos
7221 Rising Sun Ave., Northeast Philly
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Host: Make the Road Action in PA
What: Bilingual election party
The Mark the Road Action in PA organizing center will host a bilingual party to watch the election results come in live.
Love City Brewing Company
1023 Hamilton St., Spring Garden
Time: 8 to 11:59 p.m.
Host: Moving Philly Forward
What: Election returns; Brian Sims and Rebecca Rhynhart
Love City Brewing is hosting a massive election night bash with some local politicians acting as emcees. RSVP here.
Black Sheep Pub
247 S. 17th St., Rittenhouse
Time: 8: 300 to 11:30 p.m.
Host: Americans for Democratic Action
What: Results shown on TV; no cover; donations accepted
The Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the nonpartisan ADA will convene at this Rittenhouse tavern for a watch party. All are invited.
Malcolm for PA campaign party
714 W. Girard Ave., North Philly
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
Host: State House candidate Malcolm Kenyatta
What: Campaign party; free wine and beer
Malcolm Kenyatta, the Democratic candidate to rep Pennsylvania’s 181st district, is celebrating the end of his campaign with a watch party. There’ll be free wine and beer plus a cash bar for liquor.
For Penn students: Pizza and soda
3417 Spruce St., West Philly
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Host: Penn’s Graduate Student Government of the School of Arts & Sciences
What: Pizza and soda
If you’re among Philly’s network of college students, odds are you’re under 21 years old. You can’t take part in the alcoholic election night proceedings… but you can have pizza. If you register online with your Penn ID, you can snag some free pizza and soda.
Good Dog Bar
224 S 15th St., Center City
Time: All night
Host: Good Dog Bar
What: Drink specials; dog pics
This is where you can go to escape the election news. Center City’s Good Dog Bar has a bunch of drink specials all night — including $3 mixed drinks — but they won’t be broadcasting the election results.
Plus, there’s probably nothing more calming than looking at dogs while you drink.
Bok
821 Dudley St., South Philly
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Host: Young Involved Philadelphia; Civic Nation; #VoteTogether
What: Community party; snacks, music and games
There will be a community celebration in South Philly’s Bok building. It’s a non-partisan event with the goal of fostering civic engagement in Philly.
Green Soul
1410 Mount Vernon St., Spring Garden
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Host: Green Soul
What: BOGO drinks
To cover your early evening drinking needs, Green Soul is hosting an Election Day happy hour.
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Fairmount Park
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Host: Please Touch Museum
What: Family fun; educational
Looking for some family fun? The Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park has put together an all-day, election-themed event to teach kids about the American political system
