The first of three scheduled debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump happens tonight, starting at 6 p.m. Pacific Time, and if you're too nervous or excitable to sit at home and watch, there are a bunch of viewing parties all over town where you can laugh and cry alongside your fellow Americans. Whether you can stomach it or not, Trump is going to get some digs in at Hillary, and Hillary will hopefully lash back with a vengeance, but in any case, it might be better to experience it with other people around.
The Balboa Theater
They're doing a free showing of the debate on the big screen, and per the invite, "If it becomes too much to handle, come out for a snack. And no worries, we have single stall restrooms if you need a moment to cry."
3630 Balboa Street at 38th Avenue
Bar San Pancho
They're doing "debate bingo" at this Mission spot, complete with drink specials and prizes, including a "Make America Mexico Again" hat.
3198 16th Street at Guerrero
The Café
Since Hi Tops' watch party isn't super gay, per se, the official LGBTQ watch party in the Castro looks to be happening at The Cafe up the street. As is customary in the 'hood around happy hour, there will be two-for-one drinks.
2369 Market Street near 17th, $5-$10 suggested donation
The Chapel
This free event on Valencia, where multiple bars are likely to be showing the debate, requires RSVP but the RSVP does not guarantee you entry if things get too full.
777 Valencia Street, free with RSVP
Hi Tops
There'll be a pretty earnest, Hillary-supporting watch party at Hi Tops in the Castro tonight, hosted by the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club and multiple other Democratic clubs, with a raffle for "some great Hillary gear, gag Trump items, and a chance to whack our Trump pinata."
2247 Market Street between Sanchez and Noe, 5 p.m.
Kawika's Ocean Beach Deli
The deli is offering discounts on sandwiches and wine starting at 5 p.m., and will be screening all three debates.
734 La Playa Street
Madrone Art Bar
The youthful gang at Madrone will be hosting a watch party that will be quickly followed by their popular Monday night Motown party, so any tears could be quickly wiped away by dancing.
500 Divisadero Street at Fell
SoMa StrEat Food Park
The food truck gathering spot will be hosting a watch party with 10 big screens, surround sound, happy hour specials, and six food trucks including Nucha Empanadas, Gyros on Wheels, and Khao San Thai.
436-444 11th Street, free with Facebook RSVP
SPARK Social SF
Over at the other street food park in Mission Bay will be a similar gathering with more to follow for the other debates and food trucks will include Torraku Ramen, the Kabob Trolley, Pachitas Pupuseria. The sangria starts flowing at 4 p.m.
601 Mission Bay Blvd North, free with Facebook RSVP
ThirstyBear Brewery
ThirstyBear in SoMa is participating in the national Beer for Hillary movement, and they're releasing a new American Tripel, Double IPA called The Deceiver, I guess named for The Donald?
661 Howard Street, free with RSVP
