Super Tuesday is finally here, and all across the country, citizens are breathlessly awaiting the final tally. But whether Barack Obama or John McCain wins, this election will prevail as one of the nation's most historic elections to date—in which the first African-American President or first female Vice President will take stage.

Once the polls close, the lights go up at community centers, churches, restaurants, and bars, where people will crowd in to celebrate the official countdown to declaring our future 44th President. So, after casting your ballot, head to one of the many events held across the nation where you can eat, drink, and cheer for your candidate of choice:

Chicago
If you are lucky enough to score a ticket to Obama’s Campaign Election Night Party, held in the city where he served in the Senatorial office for eight years— you’ll be in the company of up to 70,000 supporters in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field. While the free event will offer classic “American” hot dogs and pizza, unlike many other election parties, it will purely consist of all-ages-friendly fun (meaning, no alcohol or live music). For last-minute tickets for the event, interested participants can still register on the Democratic Party's campaign website. And in another option: the Election Night Viewing Party co-hosted by Metromix and the Chicago Tribune at the House of Blues' Back Porch Stage, for which $5 (with RSVP) gets you entry, a buffet, and drinks, and featured performances by DJ Sye Young, DJ Jem, the RichKiddz, and Cary Kanno of Abstract Giants.

Philadelphia
Celebrating Super Tuesday in style (and all for free) is Philadelphia Weekly's Election Night Party at the luxury Loews hotel, beginning at 8 pm, complete with live raffle, food (complements of the hotel’s in-house restaurant Sole Food), and drinks. For the university crowd, students can hop over to White Dog Cafe at 9 to watch live coverage on the big screen while enjoying the full menu selection (until 1am) and politically-themed drink specials (served late until 2am). And for the rowdy crowd who can’t sit still while the results broadcast, TwoOneFive Magazine, in conjunction with Cosmo Baker, will be hosting a Bowl for Pres event at North Bowl, beginning at 9 pm, for a 9 to 11 pm open bar, free hors d’oeuvres, auction prizes, and of course, bowling—all free for subscribers.

Boston
Bostonians looking to keep an eye on the score while partaking in customized election-day food and beverage can join in the festivities at the Four Seasons' Bristol Lounge, hosting a post-election party, complete with cheeky appetizers like the “Rockspublican running mate” (an Alaskan salmon dish, a la Sarah Palin), and Democratini (an ahi tuna cooked Hawaiian style, a nod to Obama’s roots), and similarly themed cocktails. But if you’re looking to laugh your way through the night (whether to stay in high spirits for your winning candidate or subdue your angst as your candidate lags behind), Improv Boston is hosting an election night event—including live music, food and drink, and constant coverage by comedians from Boston News Net, the city’s only live satire show. And finally, in adjoining Cambridge, the scenester crowd can join in on the Vote for Change Party at music venue T.T. the Bears for election coverage and live performances from Blow Up Dads and The Modern Elite.

Los Angeles
The leading publication in imaginary news coverage and political fodder, The Onion, and Scotch whiskey brand Dewars, will host a free light-hearted event, complete with $3 drink specials, some of course offered in red and blue, to ring in the night with laughter at the Redwood Bar and Grill. And those looking to socialize with the attractive Hollywood crowd while they sneak glances at the election score card can mingle at free events including CineSpace’s Election Day Mixer (which anticipates an appearance from Katie Couric) or the Edison’s elite “I Voted” Party.

Washington, DC
While impromptu election night events in the nation’s capital will more than likely pop up in many downtown pubs, one of the more eventful options could be just outside the city in neighboring Arlington, Virginia, where Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse will host a free event where audiences can view TV coverage broadcast from 4 stations on an actual movie screen, for full cinematic effect. And in other free events complete with food and drink, the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, in addition to having cardboard cutouts of both candidates for photo-ops with your choice, will also provide political commentary from Georgetown and GWU professors.

New York City
Offering events throughout all five boroughs, the selection of Super Tuesday parties has an option for every crowd and political affiliation. Beginning with a more upscale, 21-and-over event, Grand Life, in conjunction with StyleRepublic.com will host a free Election Night Gala at downtown’s Tribeca Grand Hotel, beginning at 10 pm, with the DJ stylings of Surface 2 Air Gordon Hull. Tim Gunn, of "Project Runway" and "Guide to Style" fame, will also host the New York Gay Election Night Party at the LGBT Community Center (beginning at 6:30pm), which will include a raffle, food, and drink. Those looking for a more casual, out-of-Manhattan Super Tuesday experience, can venture to Astoria’s Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden Election Day Bash, with ballot bashing starting at 6pm and Comedyland later performing in the Beer Cellar. And finally, Brooklynites can partake in the Red & Blue Party (doors at 6 pm) at The Bell House, the new venue from Union Hall's owners. Hosted by Eugene Mirman, food and drink options will include all-night $4 drink specials, homemade red and blue cupcakes, in addition to papusas, tacos, and huaraches, courtesy of Red Hook Vendors, and a live performance by Weezer cover band The Blue Album Group, who will play the entire set list from the band’s classic Blue Album.