Election 2016: Where should Atlantans celebrate - or mourn - tonight?
Want to rub elbows with Republicans? Bite fingernails with Democrats? Sing songs with drag queens?
So you voted. (You haven’t voted? Go vote!) Now you’re wondering whether you should watch the election results at home or venture out in our wondrous city. If you choose the latter, you’ve got plenty of options. Here’s a brief — but by no means exhaustive — list of parties and events hosted by political parties, a bar or two, and an improv group. CL’s Hilary Cadigan and Savannah Elder already posted some bars and restaurants with specials or parties. Let us know what else is happening in the comments.
Democratic Party of Georgia: The donkeys are coming together in Downtown to either celebrate the country’s first woman president or four years of darkness and despair. The fun/funeral at the Hyatt Regency starts at 7 p.m., right after polls close. Expect local and state Democratic heavyweights, including Mayor Kasim Reed and other notable elected officials. RSVP here.
Georgia Republican Party: Are you a Hillary Clinton supporter who just wants to, oh, live a little? The state’s top Republican leaders are keeping the celebration close to the Governor’s Mansion this evening by partying at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead. Admission to the event, which runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, is free. Consider taking MARTA rail to the Buckhead station.
Libertarian Party of Georgia: Slip on your best “What is Aleppo?” t-shirt and head to the Mellow Mushroom on Peachtree Road in South Buckhead to celebrate with fellow lovers of liberty. Pizza and cake will be available and local candidates will be in attendance. Donate if you want to buy everyone a round, according to the Facebook group.
MORE MARTA: Clink glasses with transit boosters pushing for a sales tax to pay for a $2.5 billion expansion of MARTA inside the city limits. The advocacy group’s election party will be held in the Hyatt Regency, the same hotel as the Democrats’ soiree.
Manuel’s Tavern: The Poncey-Highland watering hole goes all out every four years for presidential elections and this year is no different. Expect a 20-by-11 screen in the parking lot, a packed bar, and plenty of left-leaning political junkies. Apparently people are already showing up. Take public transit, walk, or use a car-sharing service because you’re likely not going to find parking anywhere nearby.
Mary’s: The East Atlanta Village LGBT bar promises DJs and drag queens for the “Trump’s Going Away Party.” Drinks start pouring at 5 p.m. and the fun goes into the night as results are reported. Plus, there will be Maryoeke.
Dad’s Garage: Laugh before you cry tears of joy or despair. The storied Atlanta theatre company will stream CNN election coverage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and then kick off a night of improv in its Old Fourth Ward home.
Oh, and please consider leaving your car at home and using transit or a car service.