Presidential Debate Events for Democrats, Republicans, and Everyone Else

The presidential debate in Philadelphia — one of the most anticipated events of the 2024 election season — will take place on Tuesday, and attending local neighborhood debate viewing parties is now incredibly popular.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties are holding events in the city and surrounding counties to mobilize their voters.

Depending on which event you choose, you can socialize, watch a WNBA game as an appetizer, or play bingo while watching Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debate at the National Constitution Center at 9 p.m.

It is significant for both sides to develop their bases in and around the country. Pennsylvania’s largest city. Voters from counties outside Philadelphia will play an especially significant role in the battleground state, especially suburban women.

After lengthy discussions among the candidates, ABC News released the agreed-upon rules for the debate, including muting microphones when a candidate is not speaking and holding the debate without an audience.

Here’s where to find information about Tuesday’s debates in Philadelphia and its suburbs:

For Philadelphia Democrats

Where? Second floor McGillin’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St.

When? 20:00

Who is hosting the event? 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? Participants will also have the opportunity to text Democrats in swing states. Woody’s Bar at 202 S. 13th St. will also host a watch party. Other events will be held throughout the city.

Philly Young Republicans Debate and Live Stream on Fox Nation

Where? Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Lafayette South Room, 433 Chestnut St.

When? 19:30

Who is hosting the event? Young Republicans of Philadelphia

What else? Fox Nation will broadcast the event live. Special guests 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 bar service will be available.

Mayor’s Private Reception (and Harris-Walz Rally)

Where? Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr.

When? Meeting at 8:00 p.m.; Debate at 9:00-10:30 p.m.

Who is hosting the event? Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Senator Sharif Street, Philadelphia Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady

What else? There will be music, special guests and giveaways. RSVP at event website.

Barbecue and game viewing with Pennsylvania’s largest nurses and healthcare workers union

Where? 455 North 5th St. (SEIU 32BJ Headquarters)

When? 8pm – 10pm

Who is hosting the event? SEIU HCPA, Pennsylvania’s largest nurses and healthcare workers union

What else? Participants can join the event grill one hour prior to the debate. The event is open to all SEIU Pennsylvania members, family, and friends.

Turning Point Action is organizing an event in Montco

Where? Greater Philadelphia Convention Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks.

When? Doors are open from 6:30pm to 7:00pm

Who is hosting the event? Turning Point Acton, a voting rights organization within the conservative organization Turning Post USA, in partnership with Trump 47, Early Vote Action and PA Chase, conservative voting rights groups.

What Else? To participate, registration is required on the Turning Point Action website.

For students

Temple and Penn Democrats are holding watch parties on their campuses. College campuses have been at the forefront of youth-driven political movements this election year, from activism over Israel’s war with Hamas to protests against Trump’s rally on Temple’s campus in June.

The Republican clubs at Temple and Penn Universities did not respond to requests for information about their social gatherings.

Temple Democrats

Where? Basement Cinema Howard Gittis Student Center South, 1755 North 13th St.

When? 21:00-23:30

Who is hosting the event? Temple Democrats in Partnership with Harris Campaign

What else? Students of all political persuasions are welcome. The event will also feature refreshments, debate bingo, and prizes.

Pennsylvania Democrats

Where? New or interested Penn Democrats can message @penndems on Instagram for location information

When? 20:00

Who is hosting the event? Pennsylvania Democrats

What else? The event will feature tacos and bingo and will promote political engagement at Penn.

Lots of Democrat game viewing parties in the suburbs

If you vote in the suburbs, there’s a good chance you can go to a Democratic-sponsored event — maybe at a theater, a borough hall, or an office building.

Pennsylvania Democrats are hosting a series of end-of-term events in cities across Philadelphia County, including: New Hope, Newtown, Doylestown, Bensalem, Norristown, Chester Springs and Havertown.

Some locations will only be announced to those who confirm their attendance, so check with your local Democratic Party office.

Republican committees in Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties did not respond to repeated requests for information about their watch parties. The Montgomery County Republican Party referred The Inquirer to the Turning Point Action party in the county.

Watch a WNBA game before the presidential debate

Where? Dock Street Brewery, 2118 Washington Ave.

When? 9:00 PM (or 7:30 PM if you want to watch a WNBA game)

Who is hosting the event? The event is being held in partnership with Working Families Party and Watch Party PHL, a group that aims to unite fans of women’s sports. The entrance fee is $10. Proceeds will go to All in Fund, an organization that advocates for reproductive justice, according to the event page.

What else? Before the debate begins at 9:00 p.m., attendees will be able to watch the Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream game, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will also be able to register to vote, check the status of their registration, find their polling location or get assistance in filling out an absentee ballot.