Where to watch the first 2016 presidential debate

What’s bound to be an epic battle of words between the two nominees will no doubt make for great viewing and listening. But instead of staying at home in your pajamas, yelling at the screen or your stereo speakers, you might have more fun watching the match-up in a group setting, with drinks — copious amounts of drinks.

The wait is finally over as Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, square off tonight in their first debate televised live from Hostra University at 9 p.m. WHYY-FM and WHYY-TV will broadcast the event live. 

What’s bound to be an epic battle of words between the two nominees will no doubt make for great viewing and listening. But instead of staying at home in your pajamas, yelling at the screen or your stereo speakers, you might have more fun watching the match-up in a group setting, with drinks — copious amounts of drinks. 

Here are some watch parties in the Philadelphia area:

NExT Philadelphia 1st Presidential Debate Watch Party

Gunner’s Run, 1001 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia8 – 11 p.m.Free

Looking for a debate party the in NoLibs section of Philly? This one, hosted by NExT Philadelphia, a young professional affinity group of the Urban League of Philadelphia, will feature food and drink specials. Also, there’s word that current elected officials and local candidates will stop by.

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Debate Watch Party Hosted by Ceisler Media and Politics PA

Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom Street, Philadelphia7:30 – 10:30 p.m.Tickets: $20.16

This party hosted by Ceisler Media and Issue Advocacy as well as Politics PA, will feature a non-partisan roundtable discussion on the 2016 presidential election cycle with panelists Jenice Armstrong of The Daily News, WHYY/NewsWorks’ Katie Colaneri, NewsWorks blogger Solmon Jones, and PennLive’s John Micek. A watch party will begin at 9 p.m. directly after the roundtable. Tickets include open bar, appetizers, and admission to the discussion.

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NBC10 News Debate Night

XFinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave., PhiladelphiaDoors at 7 p.m.Free

Our area partners at NBC10, will be hosting a “Debate Night” at XFinity Live! In South Philadelphia, where patrons will be given a chance to voice their opinions, and anchors Jim Rosenfield and Denise Nakano will host. There will also be a pre-debate discussion moderated by the executive director of the National Constitution Center, Jeff Rosen. The event is free and open for all to attend.

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Debate Viewing Party at Tabu with DJ showcase by Samantha Ronson

Tabu Sports Bar and Lounge, 200 S 12th St., Philadelphia9 p.m.Tickets: TBD

Looking to dance away your post-debate excitement (or blues)? Gayborhood sports bar Tabu has you covered. Come for debate and stay for da beats — celebrity spinner Samantha Ronson will DJ a dance party immediately after the broadcast.

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Clinton vs. Trump: First Debate Watch Party at American Pub

American Pub, 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia8 – 11 p.m.Tickets: $5

Philadelpha 3.0, Committee of Seventy, Influencing Action Movement, and The Philadelphia Citizen are co-hosting a special debate watch party for the first Presidential debate of the fall campaign under the Clothespin in the Concourse. The cover is $5 and will go to free bar snacks for the first hour. RSVP is required.

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Presidential Debate Watch Party

Bucks County Republican Committee HQ, 115 North Broad Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Watch with fellow Republicans at the Bucks County GOP’s headquarters in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Admission is free.

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Widener University’s DebateWatch Event

Widener’s Pride Café in the University Center, 700 E. 14th Street, Chester, Pennsylvania.9 – 11 p.m.Free

Who can fact-check better than political science students? Gather with students and faculty from Widener University to view the debate, and evaluate the candidates’ performances in a break out session to follow.

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DEGOP Debate Watch Party

Catherine Rooney’s, 1616 Delaware Ave., Wilmington7 – 11 p.m.Tickets: TBD

Hosted by the DEGOP at Catherine Rooney’s in Wilmington, light fare and a cash bar will be open to all viewers all night.

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First Presidential Debate Watch Party in South Jersey!

HFA Call Captain, 112 St Anthony Lane, Franklinville, New Jersey9 p.m.Free

Watch the debate, movie-theater style, with fellow Hillary supporters at the Democratic South Jersey headquarters. Refreshments will be provided, however we’re unsure if 3-D glasses will be handed out.

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Did we miss any parties? Feel free to tweet us! #NWDebateParty