Free this election night? Here are 7 Austin watch parties

A lot is different about this year's election—record-breaking turnout amid a once-in-a-century pandemic, for starters—but watch parties remain a time-honored tradition. Below is a list of (mostly virtual) events planned for tomorrow evening.

Travis County Democratic Party

(Travis County Democratic Party)

The Travis County Democratic Party will host a virtual election night watch party from 8-10 p.m. The free event will feature speeches from local elected officials and candidates, turnout updates and live election results. An RSVP is required for the event link.

Texas Democratic Party

The Texas Democratic Party and Team MJ, the campaign behind U.S. Senate candidate and Round Rock resident MJ Hegar, is hosting a Facebook Live event, starting at 7 p.m. More information can be found here.

Travis County GOP

The Travis County GOP is hosting an in-person election night watch party at Pinballz Lake Creek in North Austin from 7-10 p.m. Due to capacity limits, an RSVP and wristband are required to attend the free event.

DJ A/C, Real Black Austin and Alpha Kappa Alpha

(DJ A/C)

Local performer DJ A/C, along with local organization Real Black Austin and the Austin chapter of the Howard University sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, is hosting an in-person presidential election watch party at the Gossip Shack at the Domain, starting at 6 p.m. There will be limited patio seating, and masks are required at entry. The free event will also be broadcasted live on Twitch. More information can be found here.

La Politica

(La Politica/Facebook)

Founded by a group of progressive Latinas, La Politica's mission is to create opportunities for Latinx Ausinistes by discussing local issues and taking action. The organization is hosting an online event, from 8-10 p.m., where attendees will find a "safe, fun space to talk about predictions, wins and losses." Advanced registration required.

Morgan Witt

(Morgan Witt for District 7/Facebook)

Morgan Witt, who is running against incumbent Leslie Pool to represent District 7 on Austin City Council, is hosting a virtual watch party from 8-11 p.m. In addition to providing election result updates and campaign highlights, the event will also include a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. More information can be found here.

Williamson County Libertarian Party

The Williamson County Libertarian Party will host an in-person election watch party at Lupe Tortilla in Round Rock from 7-10 p.m. Jo Jorgensen, a psychology lecturer at Clemson University, is the party's presidential candidate. More information can be found here.

The Austin area remains at a Stage 3 COVID risk, according to Austin Public Health's risk-based guidelines. At this level, local health authorities recommend residents avoid social gathering of more than 10 people.