What feels like the longest, craziest lead-up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election finally comes to an end on Tuesday (November 8). The polls keep changing everyday so at this point, it’s hard to tell if Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will end up in the White House – although, we really, really hope it’s Clinton.
What we do know is that the day America votes is bound to be chaotic, suspenseful and full of cheers and jeers. By the end of the night, you’ll either be raising a glass to America’s first female president, or drowning your sorrows in the doom and gloom of a Trump victory. Either way, your joy or sorrow is best shared amongst likeminded strangers.
We’ve rounded up the best election-night viewing parties taking place in Toronto below.
America Votes at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Whet your presidential palate ahead of November 8 with screenings of Michael Moore’s surprise election film, Michael Moore In Trumpland, at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor West) on November 6 and 7. On election night, join hundreds of others for a live broadcast starting at 6:30 pm. A cash bar will ease the pain. Free tickets are available to the public at the box office (with a limit of two per person), and accessible to Hot Docs members online. See listing for details.
Stronger Together: Election Night Party
There won’t be any confusion who the presidential favourite at the Stronger Together party at Marché Brookfield Place (181 Bay). Hosted by Democrats Abroad, the official Democratic Party arm for Americans living outside the U.S., the event includes a live broadcast, full bar and complimentary food. Tickets are $35 and available online. See website for details.
Glory Days: US Election Viewing Party
The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West) hosts an election night party that includes cocktails, music and of course, a live broadcast. Enjoy Sarah Palmer’s photo installation, Drunk On Trump. The free party kicks off at 6 pm and runs late. See listing for details.
U.S. Election Night Party
Why Should I Care?, a non-profit democratic advocacy group, hosts a free election night party at the Madison Pub (14 Madison). Join like-minded citizens for a drink after 8pm and watch the results roll in. See website for details.
Truth Or Dare Comedy Election Edition
If you’d prefer to spend your election night not actually watching the results roll in, head to the Comedy Bar (945 Bloor West) for a night of standup and improv. Jessica Perkins and Tracy Hamilton, hosts of the biweekly show Truth Or Dare, share the stage with Bobby Knauff, Joss MacNeil, Merv Hartlen and Lobster Quandry. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. See listing for details.
U.S. Election Viewing Party
Watch the CBC live broadcast of the presidential election at the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen West) from 6 pm onwards. Enjoy food and drinks. Admission is free. See website for details.
Drop Dead Election at the Deplorable Beaver
Calling all bad hombres and nasty women to the Beaver (1192 Queen West) on election night for a party invoking the 1999 hilarious dark comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous. From 7 pm onwards, enjoy games, contests, music and more. Admission is free. See website for details.
U.S. Election Night 2016
MPP Peter Tabuns and the Toronto-Danforth NDP host a viewing party at the Fox and Fiddle (535 Danforth) from 8 pm. Join like-minded folks for free food and merriment. Admission is free. See website for details.
End of the World Election Viewing Party
Don’t let the name fool you, the election night party at Wayla Bar & Lounge (996 Queen East) promises big fun. Stuff your face with pizza and alcohol as the results roll in. Doors open at 5 pm. See website for details.
Trump Trump Taco Bowl
Get yourself in the election spirit at this daytime party at George Brown College (300 Adelaide East). From 11 am to 2 pm in the atrium of the hospitality building, enjoy $6 tacos, raffle prizes, a silent auction, Trump swag and photo ops. Plus, take a swing at the Trump piñata. The fundraiser will donate all proceeds to the George Brown College Foundation and a charity of the organization’s choosing. See website for details.
