The Toronto Blue Jays are back in the World Series for the first time since 1993 following a thrilling win over the Seattle Mariners in game 7.
The first game of the World Series is set for Oct. 24 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers and with nose-bleed seats already selling for over $2,000 it’s time to think about watch parties — still an exciting atmosphere, for nothing. The next three games are on Oct. 25, 27 and 28.
If you don’t have playoff tickets, here are some of the best watch parties and big screens to catch the opener.
Nathan Phillips Square
The city’s official watch party moves to Nathan Phillips Square. We would expect thousands to descend on the Queen Street landmark to enjoy the festivities.
Steam Whistle Brewing/John Street Roundhouse
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Steam Whistle at the historic John Street Roundhouse on Bremner is transforming into Toronto’s playoff hub, with free tailgate parties before every home playoff game! For the first time, watch parties are being held inside Steam Whistle’s indoor playoff watch-party zone, dubbed “The Bird’s Nest,” so fans without tickets can still join the action. You can even grab a beer and a burger to go and enjoy them in Roundhouse Park (perfect for overflow crowds!)
The tailgate starts three hours before the first pitch. Expect a full bar and food menu, including ballpark staples like hot dogs, burgers, chips, peanuts, as well as vegan options. Of course, you can also enjoy an ice-cold Steam Whistle pilsner, on tap or in cans to go. Best of all, it’s free, family-friendly and open to all! Visit steamwhistle.ca for more info, or follow them on Instagram. Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd.
RendezViews
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RendezViews, Toronto’s biggest outdoor picnic venue, is turning up the heat with epic Baseball Watch Parties. Fans can catch every moment on a massive big screen with full stadium sound, surrounded by unbeatable vibes, fire pits, and stunning CN Tower views. With game day eats, beer buckets, and cocktails flowing, it’s a great spot to cheer on the home team. Located at 229 Richmond St. W., RendezViews promises a high-energy playoff atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
Hart House (U of T): Arbor Room
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Round up your friends (or just head over and make new ones) and check out these free, drop-in campus-style Jays watch parties, filled with snacks, button-making, and a casual, community vibe! It’s great for students and families who are looking for a lower-key, all-ages environment to celebrate the Jays. Visit Hart House for more info. 7 Hart House Cir | Arbor Room (162).
Chefs Hall
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Head to Chefs Hall this Saturday and watch Game 1 on the big screen. Rock your Toronto Blue Jays gear and receive one complimentary shot of the day (must be of legal drinking age). And if you’re heading to the stadium, just swing by early and enjoy $5 off draught pitchers and $1/oz house wine before you cheer on the Jays! It’s a central location with tons of seating. 111 Richmond St W.
Real Sports Bar & Grill
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There’s a reason Real Sports is known as the go-to bar for Toronto sports: It’s the perfect spot to experience stadium vibes without the ticket! This mega-sports bar boasts a 39-foot HD screen and wall-to-wall sightlines (perfect for watching the first pitch). The 100-foot bar and elevated comfort food will make you feel like you’re actually at the game. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Rogers Centre, so you can enjoy some crowd energy before and after the final out. Reservations recommended, even for smaller groups. 15 York St.
The Loose Moose
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This 2nd-floor bar in the heart of downtown is filled with rustic tables, large screens, vintage signs and a variety of beers on tap, plus tasty ballpark-style bites like burgers and snacks! It’s been around since the late ’80s (so, part legend-part landmark) and is the perfect spot for Jays fans looking for a lively room within 10 minutes of the ballpark. 146 Front St W.
Hemingway’s
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If you want to dodge the pre-game crowds, then head to Hemingway’s in Yorkville! This classic pub with a rooftop patio takes game nights seriously, with 20 TVs and a high-end sound system across its multi-level space. Bonus: It’s open year-round until 2 am, so you can extend the celebration well after the game ends! 142 Cumberland St.
