World Series watch parties are popping up across Waterloo region. Here’s where to watch the Blue Jays

With first pitch fast approaching, World Series fever is sweeping the nation and people are planning how to watch the Toronto Blue Jays take on the L.A. Dodgers.

The series gets underway Friday night in Toronto at the Rogers Centre. All the games start at 8 p.m., but a pre-game show is expected at 7 p.m. on Friday with Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire.

For many fans, the games will be a chance to get together with fans and friends either at local bars and restaurants or at watch parties that are being held.

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The Gaslight District in Cambridge has been showing games on the large outdoor screen for the entire post-season.

“The energy is amazing,” Scott Higgins, president of The Gaslight District, told CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition with host Craig Norris. 

“There’s nothing better than just going nuts with strangers when a big moment happens in a game and you know the square gets packed. Even with the weather, the fans turn out. Everybody’s in their Jays gear.”

The City of Kitchener has now announced it will host watch parties, too. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic says that’s because Kitchener is “a city that celebrates together” and uniting to cheer on the Blue Jays is a good time to do that.

“So many Kitchener residents have said they want to experience the excitement of the games in our amazing facilities alongside their friends and neighbours,” Vrbanovic said in a release.

“Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just love the energy of a high-stakes series, this is a wonderful time to come together as Canadians and share in the spirit of sport and community.”

Kitchener’s city hall and The Aud will be lit up in blue lights in support of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Where to watch the games

Cambridge:

All games are being shown at The Gaslight District. People can attend for free. Bring lawn chairs and food and drink. Also dress for the weather because the watch party is outside.

Kitchener:

• Game 1: Friday at the Stanley Park Community Centre, organized by the Stanley Park Neighbourhood Association.
• Game 2: Saturday at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
• Game 3: Monday — details to follow. 
• Game 4: Tuesday — details to follow. 
• Game 5 (if necessary): Oct. 29 — details to follow.
• Game 6 (if necessary): Oct. 31. No public watch party due to Halloween   
• Game 7 (if necessary): Nov. 1 at The Aud.

Also, the Kitchener Public Library is hosting a Game 1 watch party on Friday night. The event is free. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and some pre-game Jays trivia begins at 7:30 p.m. This is a family friendly event. People can bring their own snacks and drinks, but no alcohol.

In downtown Kitchener, Bobby O’Brien’s will show the game on their outside TV.

Waterloo:

Legion Branch 530 is hosting watch parties for each of the games. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there will be food and drink deals, including $2 hot dogs.

St. Marys:

A Game 1 watch party is planned at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and snacks will all be available for purchase during the game. The museum will be open for people to explore. Tickets are available through the museum’s website or at the door.

Have a watch party you think we should be listing? Email us to let us know!