The energy in Toronto is so palpable, you can almost feel it! After a nail-biting Game 7 win over the Seattle Mariners, the Blue Jays are officially heading back to the World Series for the first time since 1993.
Game One versus the Los Angeles Dodgers kicks off tonight at 8 p.m., and if you were like most of us who couldn’t afford a $2,000+ ticket to a Rogers Centre game, don’t fret; there will be plenty of World Series watch parties taking place in Toronto.
While you can count on nearly every venue in the city with a TV to be airing the game, we’ve narrowed them down for you. From free public viewings to sports bars, here are some of the best places to cheer on the Jays:
1. Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square will be hosting free outdoor viewing parties for every Blue Jays home game. Fans can watch the World Series on a massive screen, enjoy a DJ, and win prizes during trivia breaks. Everyone is encouraged to wear team gear and bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. The iconic TORONTO sign will shine blue and white throughout the series to show city pride.
Where: 100 Queen St. W, Toronto
2. Aga Khan Park
Aga Khan Park will host free outdoor screenings of the weekend Blue Jays games, projected onto the museum’s exterior wall. Fans should bundle up and bring their own chairs and snacks.
Where: 77 Wynford Dr., Toronto
3. Steam Whistle Brewing & Roundhouse Park
Steam Whistle is stepping up to the plate with free tailgate parties before every home playoff game at the historic John Street Roundhouse. This year includes indoor watch zones for the first time. Three hours before the first pitch, fans can also load up on Steam Whistle pilsner, ballpark snacks, and check out the outdoor beer garden.
Where: 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
4. RendezViews
Toronto’s biggest outdoor patio becomes full playoff mode for the Jays. A massive screen, stadium-quality sound, beer buckets, cocktails, fire pits, and a party atmosphere are what you can count on at RendezViews. The venue opens at 7 p.m., with fire pits, snacks for purchase, and first-come seating for both Friday and Saturday’s 8 p.m. games.
Where: 229 Richmond St. W., Toronto
5. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto will be holding free outdoor watch parties at King’s College Circle, streaming the games on a big LED screen near Convocation Hall. Seating is first come, and attendees can bring blankets, chairs, and food. It runs rain or shine, starting at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also, Hart House will host free-drop in watch parties complete with snacks and crafts for students and families.
Where: King’s College Cir, Toronto
6. Real Sports Bar & Grill
One of Toronto’s top sports bars, Real Sports Bar & Grill is like the stadium away from the stadium, and the perfect spot to catch the World Series games. Featuring a 39-foot HD screen and dozens more lining the walls, you won’t miss a play. Reservations are highly recommended.
Where: 15 York St., Toronto
7. The Loose Moose
Just steps from Union Station and packed with vintage sports-bar charm, The Loose Moose will pack in an energetic downtown crowd, a massive beer list, and tasty comfort food perfect for playoff tension snacking.
Where: 146 Front St. W., Toronto
Go Jays Go!