If you were excited to ring in the new year with one of Atlanta’s most iconic traditions this New Year’s Eve, we’ve got some bad news for you.
Mayor Andre Dickens’ office recently announced that there would be no Peach Drop this year. Instead, the city will focus on different activities. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a spokesman for the decision said, “‘The city dedicated our resources to celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and other local activities directly serving the community… While a worthy tradition in the past, the Peach Drop has not been an annual event since 2018. Each year is different and we can always reevaluate next year.'”
It’s true, the Peach Drop has had a bit of an on-again-off-again event in the past few years–with COVID being one of the main reasons for cancelling the celebration in recent years.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “The Peach Drop typically costs about $500,000, money taken from the general fund and approved by Atlanta City Council.”
So what’s going to happen at Underground this 2024?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reports, “Two hours after the news came out Friday, the owners of Underground Atlanta, Lalani Ventures came out with a press release stating that there will be a free fireworks show at midnight along with parties at Pagalle Theater and The Masquerade, among others.”
The Atlanta Peach Drop was a worthy tradition, and definitely a super fun event. We’ll miss our version of NYC’s midnight ball drop. But don’t worry! There will still be tons of fireworks lighting up the sky this New Year’s Eve.
And don’t worry, there are still toooons of amazing things to do for the holidays in Atlanta! Check out a festive holiday pop up bar or hit the ice at one of Atlanta’s iconic skating rinks!