It’s finally happening, but where are you going to watch it?

Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, dueling in a competitive Senate race, have agreed to a series of three hour-long debates between September and October. The first debate is set for Friday at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The debate is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will focus on domestic policy. The event will be moderated in front of an audience of 240 people.

There are several debate watch parties being held around Austin. If you’re looking to watch the action in public with your fellow voters, one of these might be what you’re looking for. Don’t see a watch party listed below? Email ewebb@statesman.com.

• Live Oak Brewing 5:30-7 p.m.): Live Oak Brewing clarifies that “whether you identify as red, blue, purple, green, or none of the above” all viewers are welcome and encouraged to come out.

• Black Star Co-Op (6-10 p.m.): While the event doesn’t call for supporters from either side, it does mention there will be Beto Beer on draft.

• Takoba (5 p.m.): The Takoba watch party is sponsored by Austin City Council candidate Amit Motwani and also touts networking and cumbia.

• Justine’s Brasserie (5:30 p.m.): The French restaurant in East Austin will open its doors early and asks the public to “Come root for Beto with us!”

• The Brixton (5-7 p.m.): The Brixton clarifies that “the candidates will not be at the bar.”

• Full Circle Bar (6-8 p.m.): The Travis County Democratic Party will hold its official party event at Full Circle Bar. According to the Travis County Republican Party, there are no similar events currently on their calendar.

• Weather Up (5:30-7:30 p.m.): This event is sponsored by the O’Rourke campaign, which encourages supporters to RSVP in advance. No similar events in the Austin area have been posted to Cruz’s website or Facebook page, but his campaign is promoting a Dallas watch party on Friday.



• Texas Land and Cattle (6-10 p.m.): Hosted by the Republican Party of Texas, an RSVP is encouraged on Facebook. “Show up early and cheer Senator Cruz to victory!” the event description reads.

• Wright Bros. Brew & Brew (5 p.m.): O’Rourke supporters will be there, as well as representatives from the congressman’s campaign, according to Do512.

• University of Texas at Austin, Jester East Main Lobby (5:45 p.m.): This event, hosted by Students for Beto UT, promises snacks.

• Mort Subite (6 p.m.): Arrive early at the South Congress bar with a Belgian theme in order to snag a seat, according to the Do512 listing.



• Attabar ATX (6-10 p.m.): Circle Brewing’s Beto beer will be $3, according to Do512. The event listing is decidedly O’Rourke-leaning.

• Latchkey (3-7 p.m.): $4 Beto beers, $4 tacos, on-site voter registration and O’Rourke merch, according to Eater Austin.



Not feeling social? The debate will be broadcast on KXAN.

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