Your guide to debate watch parties in Philly and the suburbs on Tuesday as Trump and Harris face off
Both Democratic and Republican-aligned groups will be hosting watch parties in and around Philly with food, special guests, and activities for the first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
The presidential debate in Philadelphia — one of the most anticipated events of the 2024 election season — is Tuesday and attending your local neighborhood debate watch party is all the rage.
Both the Democratic and Republican Parties are hosting events in the city and its collar counties to mobilize their voters.
Depending on which watch party you choose, you can mingle, watch a WNBA game as an appetizer, or play bingo as you watch the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, starting at 9 p.m.
It’s important for both parties to cultivate their bases in and around Pennsylvania’s largest city. Voters in the counties outside Philly, especially suburban women, will play a particularly important role in the battleground state.
After much back-and-forth between the candidates, ABC News released the agreed-upon rules for the debate, including muted microphones when a candidate isn’t speaking and debating without a live audience.
Here’s where you can find the debate party experience Tuesday in Philadelphia and the suburbs:
For Philly Democrats
Where? The second floor of McGillin’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St.
When? 8 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Voters of Tomorrow in partnership with Philadelphia Young Democrats, Philadelphia Democratic Women’s Caucus, Liberty City LGBTQ Democratic Club, Drinking Liberally Philly, and Indivisible Philadelphia.
What else? Attendees will also have the opportunity to text bank for Democrats in swing states. Woody’s Bar at 202 S. 13th St. will also be hosting a watch party. Other parties will be held throughout the city.
A debate party and Fox Nation live broadcast from Philly Young Republicans
Where? Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Lafayette South Room, 433 Chestnut St.
When? 7:30 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Philadelphia Young Republicans.
What else? Fox Nation will be broadcasting live from the event. Special guests will include former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R., Utah), conservative TV personality Rachel Campos-Duffy, TV host and author Pete Hegseth, and commentator Brian Brenberg. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
The mayor’s personal watch party (and Harris-Walz rally)
Where? The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr.
When? Rally at 8 p.m.; debate 9 to 10:30 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Pennsylvania Democratic Chairman Sen. Sharif Street, Philadelphia Democratic Chairman Bob Brady.
What else? There will be music, special guests, and giveaways. RSVP on the event page website.
A nonpartisan event from Committee of Seventy
Where? City Tap House, 100 N. 18th St.
When? 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan government watchdog and civic engagement group, in partnership with the Philadelphia Citizen, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, and the Young Professionals Council.
What else? Attendees can compete for prizes during debate bingo and learn how to get involved in the election. One free drink is provided with RSVP and light snacks will be offered. Admission is free.
A cookout & watch party with Pa.’s largest nurses and health-care workers union
Where? 455 N. Fifth St. (SEIU 32BJ Headquarters)
When? 8 to 10 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? SEIU HCPA, Pennsylvania’s largest union of nurses and health-care workers.
What else? Attendees can attend a cookout at the event an hour before the debate is set to begin. The event is open to all SEIU Pennsylvania members, family, and friends.
Turning Point Action is hosting an event in Montco
Where? Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks.
When? Doors open between 6:30 and 7 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Turning Point Action, the political advocacy arm of the conservative Turning Point USA, in conjunction with Trump 47, Early Vote Action, and PA Chase, all conservative voter advocacy groups.
What else? Registration on the Turning Point Action website is required to attend.
For college students
Temple and Penn Democrats are hosting watch parties on their respective campuses. College campuses have been the foreground this election year for youth-powered political movements, from activism about the Israel-Hamas war to protests against Trump’s rally on Temple’s campus in June.
The Republican clubs at Temple and Penn did not respond to a request for information about their watch parties.
Temple Democrats
Where? The cinema in the basement of the Howard Gittis Student Center South, 1755 North 13th St.
When? 9 to 11:30 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Temple Democrats in conjunction with the Harris campaign.
What else? Students of all political affiliations are welcome to join. The event will also feature snacks, debate bingo, and prizes.
Penn Democrats
Where? New or interested Penn Democrats members can message @penndems on Instagram for the location.
When? 8 p.m.
Who’s hosting the party? Penn Democrats.
What else? The event will offer tacos and bingo, and will seek to promote political engagement at the University of Pennsylvania.
Debate parties galore in the ‘burbs
Chances are, if you’re a voter in a suburb, there’s a Democratic-sponsored watch party for you to go to, whether it’s at a theater, a borough hall, or an office building.
Pennsylvania Democrats are hosting a slew of watch party events in towns in Philadelphia’s collar counties including, but not limited to, New Hope, Newtown, Doylestown, Bensalem, Norristown, Chester Springs, and Havertown.
Some venue locations are only provided to those who RSVP, so check with your local Democratic Party.
In Chester County, the Area 2 Republican Committee of Chester County is organizing a watch party at Cazillo Studios, 1600 Yellow Springs Road (corner of 113), Suite 201, in Chester Springs, Pa. Doors open at 7:30 and there is a $10 admission charge. Attendees can enjoy pizza, snacks, and drinks and are encouraged to bring a camp chair.
The Republican committees in Bucks and Delaware counties did not respond to repeated requests for information about their watch parties. The Montgomery County GOP referred The Inquirer to the Turning Point Action party in the county.
Pregame the presidential debate with the WNBA
Where? Dock Street Brewery, 2118 Washington Ave.
When? 9 p.m. (or 7:30 p.m. if you want to catch the WNBA game).
Who’s hosting the party? The event is being hosted in conjunction with the Working Families Party and Watch Party PHL, a group that aims to bring together women’s sports fans. There is a $10 cover charge. Proceeds will go to the All in Fund, a reproductive justice advocacy organization, according to the events page.
What else? Before the debate starts at 9 p.m., attendees can watch the Minnesota Lynx face the Atlanta Dream at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can also register to vote, check their registration status, find out their polling location, or receive assistance in filling out their mail-in ballot.