With the presidential race rapidly approaching its climax, now is the time to plan your election night antics. We look at the best parties on offer Stateside, in the UK and elsewhere, as well as ideas for do-it-yourself dos.

The US

The Obama party, Chicago

If you’re in the area, without a doubt the most exciting place to be, whatever the outcome, will be Barack Obama’s public outdoor party in Grant Park, Chicago. Thousands are expected to attend the all-night celebration, where the results will be shown on giant screens as they come in. The Democrat will be there to either hail his victory or commiserate with supporters — expect tears and wails aplenty either way. The event is free to all but it is likely to draw large numbers so turning up early is recommended.

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The McCain “Victory Election Night” party, Phoenix

Held at the Arizona Biltmore, the venue for this optimistically named party has sentimental significance for McCain, who both got married and celebrated his primary victory at the hotel. Promising to be a far more select gathering than the Obama event, the man himself won’t even be attending, instead choosing to make a televised address in front of a few invited supporters and reporters on the hotel lawn. His campaign says it’s possible that McCain might pop in at some point, but can’t promise anything.

Party with your state party

If you’d like to attend an official party, but can’t make either of these, contact your state party — most will be organising some kind of shindig. State parties can be reached through the Republican National Committee website — www.gop.com — or that of the DNC — www.democrats.org.

Go back to uni

For a less partisan affair, try calling your local university’s politics department. Most hold some kind of event and academics will be on hand throughout the night to share their thoughts over a glass or four. Many universities abroad will be having similar dos.

Prepare for a swift exit

Should you be planning to abscond abroad if the vote doesn’t go your way — and anecdotal evidence suggests plenty are — then the Silver Reef Hotel and Casino, in Ferndale, Washington State, might be an ideal place to spend your evening. Offering an excellent dinner twenty minutes from the Canadian border, it’s an ideal launchpad for your new life in exile — provided you don’t lose your travel funds on the roulette wheel.

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