Do They Still Do The Peach Drop in Atlanta?

If you’re wondering whether Atlanta still does the Peach Drop on New Year’s Eve, the short answer is: sometimes — but not every year, and not always in the same way.

The Peach Drop has gone through pauses, venue changes, and format shifts, so it’s no longer a guaranteed, automatic tradition every December 31. Here’s how it works now, what’s changed, and what your realistic options are for New Year’s Eve in Atlanta.

Is There a Peach Drop in Atlanta Right Now?

Atlanta’s Peach Drop is not an every-year event anymore.

In recent years, the event has:

• Been canceled or paused in certain years
• Returned for one-off or “revival” celebrations
• Shifted locations and organizers, making it less predictable

Because of this, whether there will be a Peach Drop in any given year depends on:

• City decisions and permits
• Available funding and sponsors
• Venue availability and safety planning

For the most up-to-date answer in any specific year, Atlanta residents and visitors typically check:

• Official City of Atlanta announcements
• Communications from Underground Atlanta or the current event organizer
• Local news outlets and event calendars in late fall and early winter

If you’re planning New Year’s Eve in Atlanta, do not assume the Peach Drop is happening until an official announcement confirms it.

A Quick Overview of the Peach Drop Tradition

The Peach Drop has long been known as Atlanta’s version of the Times Square ball drop:

• A large, illuminated peach icon is raised and then dropped at midnight on New Year’s Eve
• The event often includes live music, DJs, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and fireworks
• It has traditionally drawn large crowds from across the metro area and beyond

For many locals, the Peach Drop became an annual Downtown Atlanta tradition, especially around:

• Underground Atlanta, near the Five Points area
• Later years when organizers experimented with different venues

Over time, changes in ownership of Underground Atlanta, funding challenges, safety concerns, and shifting priorities led to pauses and reimagining of the event.

Where Has the Peach Drop Been Held?

The most iconic home of the Peach Drop has been Underground Atlanta in Downtown:

Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

This area sits near:

• The Five Points MARTA Station
• Peachtree Street and other major downtown corridors
• City of Atlanta government buildings and offices

In some years, when Underground Atlanta was in transition, the event:

• Did not occur at all, or
• Was temporarily relocated or heavily redesigned

Because of the event’s size and the need for street closures and security, the Peach Drop can’t just “pop up” casually; it requires substantial planning with:

• City of Atlanta departments
• Atlanta Police Department
• Transportation and safety officials

That’s one reason why, in some years, city officials and organizers have chosen not to hold the event.

How to Find Out if the Peach Drop Is Happening This Year

Since the Peach Drop is no longer guaranteed annually, the best approach is to verify each year, usually starting in late fall.

Here are practical ways to check:

1. City of Atlanta Updates

The city typically shares information about:

• Major public events and road closures
• Permits for large gatherings

You can look for:

• Announcements from the Mayor’s Office
• City event calendars around November–December

City of Atlanta (Main City Hall)
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main information line (commonly published): 404-330-6000

When you call or check city communications, look for references to:

• “New Year’s Eve Peach Drop”
• “Downtown New Year’s Eve celebration”

2. Underground Atlanta and Local Event Organizers

If the Peach Drop is being held at Underground Atlanta, information is usually shared through:

• Event posters or on-site signage at Underground
• Regional media and event listings

Since details can shift from year to year, locals often:

• Drive or walk by Underground Atlanta in mid-December to see if there are stage setups, equipment, or banners
• Follow official announcements from the entertainment or development group currently managing the property

3. Atlanta News and Community Sources

Closer to New Year’s Eve, local TV stations, radio, and community publications generally confirm whether:

• The Peach Drop is happening
• It’s canceled or “on hiatus” for that year
• Another large-scale New Year’s event is replacing it

Look for mentions of:

• Time and location
• Security rules (bag checks, prohibited items)
• Transit recommendations for MARTA and rideshare

If There’s No Peach Drop: Other Things To Do in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve

Even in years when the Peach Drop does not happen, Atlanta still offers plenty of ways to celebrate. Residents and visitors often pivot to:

1. Downtown & Midtown Celebrations

Even without the Peach, Downtown and Midtown typically have:

• Hotel parties with DJs and countdowns
• Rooftop or lounge events with views of the skyline
• Restaurants offering special New Year’s Eve menus

Areas to check:

• Around Centennial Olympic Park
• Near Peachtree Street and Peachtree Center
• Midtown corridors along Peachtree St NE, 10th St NE, and nearby cross streets

2. Neighborhood Events Around the City

Many neighborhoods host their own smaller-scale New Year’s gatherings, which can sometimes be easier to navigate than a huge downtown drop. Locals often look at:

• East Atlanta Village – bars, live music, and block-party style energy
• Virginia-Highland – pubs and restaurants with countdowns
• Old Fourth Ward / Edgewood – nightclubs, lounges, and themed parties
• West Midtown – breweries and restaurant-based celebrations

3. Family-Friendly New Year’s Activities

If you’re with kids or prefer an earlier night, Atlanta families often consider:

• Daytime or “Noon Year’s Eve” events at museums or attractions
• Early dinner at kid-friendly restaurants before the late-night crowds build

Common types of activities (availability varies by year):

• Museum countdowns before midnight
• Ice skating at seasonal rinks
• Fireworks or light shows scheduled earlier in the evening

Planning Tips if the Peach Drop Returns

If a Peach Drop is announced for a specific year, a little advance planning can make the night smoother.

Getting There

Most attendees traditionally rely on public transit or rideshare, especially when streets are closed:

• MARTA Rail – The Five Points Station is the closest major station to Underground Atlanta, and Peachtree Center is close to many downtown hotels and venues.
• Rideshare / Taxis – Plan to be dropped off a few blocks away and walk in, as direct access near the event site may be blocked.

What to Bring (and Not Bring)

Rules can vary by year, but at large downtown events, organizers often:

• Encourage small bags only
• Prohibit glass bottles, large coolers, weapons, fireworks, and drones
• May limit outside food and drinks

It’s wise to:

• Bring a fully charged phone, ID, and a payment method
• Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing
• Check official guidance if you’re unsure what’s allowed

Safety and Crowds

When the Peach Drop does happen, expect:

• Dense crowds, especially close to midnight
• Police presence and security checkpoints
• Limited parking and traffic congestion nearby

Atlanta residents who’ve attended multiple times often suggest:

• Arriving earlier if you want a good viewing spot
• Identifying a meeting point in case your group gets separated
• Keeping a close eye on children, older adults, or anyone who may have trouble with long walks or standing

Quick Reference: Peach Drop Reality Check

Below is a simple summary to keep expectations realistic if you’re in or visiting Atlanta:

In practical terms, Atlanta does still host the Peach Drop sometimes, but not reliably every year, and details like venue, format, and performers can change. If you’re planning to ring in the New Year in Atlanta, treat the Peach Drop as a bonus if announced, and have a backup plan with one of the many other things to do in the city on New Year’s Eve.