PeachDrop festivities take over downtown ATL

By Katie Leslie

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Those unwilling to let the weather rain on their New Year's Parade might consider heading to downtown Atlanta for Peach Drop 2010. Now in its 21st year, the free New Year's Eve celebration takes over Underground Atlanta with live performances, inflatables and bungee systems for physical fun, and, oh yeah, the Chick-fil-A Bowl just down the street.

Hours before the 800-pound fiberglass and foam peach drops at midnight, musical performances begin at the Budding Peach Stage at Underground at noon and include Atlanta-based acts by Stephanie Schecter, Taylor Reid and A'lise Holiday. Kenny's Alley, also in Underground Atlanta, will host bands beginning at 1 p.m. when Marshall Ruffin takes the stage. Other bands performing include The Apostles, Holla Front, Hanna Thomas and more.

The Main Stage comes alive at 6 p.m. with the punk-meets-pop sounds of Stellate, followed by Ben Deignan, Sun Domingo, and Nashville-based cover band "The WannaBeatles." Morris Day and the Time will perform on the main stage beginning at 11:15 p.m., while Atlanta-based The Regulars perform at Kenny's Alley starting at 11:30 p.m.  For the full schedule, visit www.peachdrop.com .

Event preview

What not to bring: Underground Atlanta is advising people to not bring pets, bags, backpacks, coolers, picnic baskets, recording devices, roller blades, bikes, skateboards, lawn chairs, weapons or alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be purchased on the property. Bars and clubs will remain open until 4 a.m.

Road closings: Several streets will be closed during the festivities, including Peachtree Street from Auburn Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; Pryor Street from Decatur to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; and Wall Street from Central Avenue to Peachtree Street.

Underground Atlanta is located at 50 Upper Alabama St., S.W. Visitors may park their cars in garages along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, or they may take MARTA, which has extended its hours to 2 a.m. on New Year's Day.