Wednesday's PubliCalendar picks for political and civic nerds.

City Council Budget Hearing

Mayor Mike McGinn's proposed city budget may be significantly less grim than previous budgets, which featured tens of millions in cuts, but it's still a good idea to show up and voice support for your favorite city programs (no more weeklong library closures!) or to learn more about this year's budget priorities (is a schmancy new gunfire detection system worth $1 million over two years?) For a quick primer, check out PubliCola's overview of the mayor's proposal here.

City Council Budget Committee Public Hearing, Thurs, Oct 4, 5:30 pm, City Hall, 600 4th Ave, Second Floor

And don't forget today's PubliCalendar picks (special debate-night edition):

First Presidential Debate 2012: Obama vs. Romney

There’s really nothing else you need to be doing with your Wednesday. Watch at a bar with your fellow citizens (fun drinking game! Take a shot every time Mitt “People are Not Entitled to Food” Romney makes an entitled smirk!) Here are some of your many, many options:

broVo and The 5 Spot Do the First Presidential Debate Live

Watch the debate on the big screen and order an artisan “red” or “blue” cocktail to vote for your favorite party.

Wed, Oct 3, 6pm, 5 Spot, 1502 Queen Anne Ave N, Free

Presidential Debate Watch Party at The Royal Room

Join Obama delegates Tandy Williams, Yalonda Gill Masundiré, and Al-bahadli Majid as they debrief about the 2012 Democratic Convention and host the debate viewing. Drinks and food available.

Wed, Oct 3, 5:30 pm–8:30 pm, The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave S, Columbia City, Free

Town Hall’s Presidential Debate Viewing Party

Come watch the Presidential debate and get free admission to the 7:30  event with activist and economist Gar Alperovitz, who will talk about the limits of capitalism and his ideas for a “new economy.”

Wed, Oct 3, 6 pm–7:30 pm, Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave N, Free

More viewing parties  at: Arabica Lounge, Café Presse, The Noble Fir, Hula Hula/Tini Bigs, Osteria La Spiga, The Spectator, The BottleNeck Lounge, Moe Bar, Solo Bar, St. John’s Bar and Eatery, Tougo, Roanoke Park Place, Hattie’s Hat, Havana, Spitfire, Summit Public House, The Neighbor Lady, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, and Island Soul Caribbean Restaurant.