What to do on New Year’s Eve

The 800-pound peach celebrates its 25th descent this year as hordes of revelers gather to festively segue into 2014. Organizers expect more than 100,000 guests to attend, some arriving as early as 11 a.m. The celebration kicks off with family-style activities, from carnival rides to face painting and all points in between. A live music soundtrack flows from three stages throughout the day. Actor and comedian David Koechner serves as emcee and award-winning R&B diva and Atlanta homegirl Janelle Monáe gives a headlining performance beginning at 11:15 p.m. As the clock nears midnight, the crowd will thicken to see the giant faux fruit drop from its 138-foot lighted tower. This year things prove a bit different as a mammoth M&M’S Peanut, the event’s sponsor, takes the trip with the peach. Organizers promise a surprise coming from the hunk of candy once it arrives at the bottom. Massive blasts of confetti and a fireworks show follow. The bash continues into the first few hours of the new year as the bars, restaurants and nightclubs of Kenny’s Alley stay doors open until 3 a.m.

11 a.m.-3 a.m. Dec. 31. Free. Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta 404-523-2311, www.peachdrop.com.

BUFORD

The Purple Xperience at 37 Main

Nearly 30 years ago, one of the hottest concert tickets in town belonged to Prince and the Revolution. Just ask Matt Fink, who played keyboards for Prince from 1978 until 1991. It was January 1985 and the royal one and company performed a sold-out, five-night stint at the Omni on the heels of the uber successful “Purple Rain” album and film. In fact, they were so blazing hot at the time, Fink remembers the band being cornered by throngs of fans inside a restaurant in what is now CNN Center. Longtime Prince devotees can relive that ’80s heyday at this popular OTP venue. Fink will break out his trademark scrubs and sunglasses and step behind the keyboard and into his Doctor Fink persona. Fink, who co-wrote several songs with Prince and appeared on many albums such as “Purple Rain,” “1999” and “Sign ‘O’ the Times,” leads the band through some of the more popular cuts from that era, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Kiss” and more. Those who have seen previous Purple Xperience shows at 37 Main should expect additional songs popping up on the set list, from “Darling Nikki” to the dance floor-ready “D.M.S.R.” Joining Fink onstage and donning their funkiest ’80s rock wear will be Prince double Marshall Charloff, guitarist Tracey Blake, bassist Ace Mack and drummer Bobby Vandell. A reserved table for four includes four tickets, an appetizer for the table and a bottle of champagne.

8 p.m. Dec. 31. $25; $150 reserved table. 37 Main, 37 E. Main St., Buford. 678-288-2030, www.37main.com.

MARIETTA

The Jagged Stones at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre

Last year as the Rolling Stones began celebrating its 50th anniversary with a handful of concerts, this Atlanta-based Stones tribute band set up shop at the Strand for a New Year’s Eve rave up. This year the band returns to the scene of the crime for another round of Rolling Stones hits and deeper fan favorites. Vocalist Stephen Skipper may be physical evidence that human cloning is possible. His spot-on Mick Jagger vocals and separated-at-birth looks make seeing the Jagged Stones the closest thing to catching the real deal up close and personal. Barry Zion delivers an appropriately raunchy rendition of guitarist Keith Richards, right down to the signature riffs and whiskey-marinated vocals. The rest of the band, including keyboardist Dave Lang, bassist Darryl Lee, drummer Martin Abbott and lead guitarist Ed Brodeur, will be joined onstage by a horn section and background vocalists. The Big Chicken Beatles Band opens the evening with fab four classics, making it a solid exercise in the British Invasion. Those who’d rather not get behind the wheel can take advantage of a package at the nearby Marietta Hilton. $199 gets a room, a pair of tickets, transportation to and from the venue and breakfast for two on New Year’s Day. All ages can attend.

9 p.m. Dec. 31. $35 advance; $40 the week of the show. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org.

DUNWOODY

NYE in the ATL at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia

The creators of this bash call it the ultimate party designed especially for “urban professionals.” Yet, you’ll likely find something for just about everyone. Dancing and mingling takes place in a total of eight party rooms, most featuring DJs serving a variety of music and tastes. For example, in the Ravinia Ballroom you’ll find video DJ Lonnie Luv specializing in contemporary hip-hop and R&B. Live stand-up comedy takes place in its own room with shows at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Singles have a specially designed spot for meeting and greeting, while those with a taste for salsa can drop in a specific room for Latin soul. Other party rooms blend jazz and hip-hop, house, techno and go-go, and old school ’80s and ’90s rap, hip-hop and R&B. A balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors help enhance the evening. Rub elbows with celebrity radio guests, including Ryan Cameron, Art Terrell, Rashan Ali, Wanda Smith and Mixx Master Mitch. A pre-party takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. and the main event follows. The event website offers hotel packages and tickets to additional events December 28-30.

8 p.m.-3 a.m. Dec. 31. $60-$100. Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E., Atlanta. www.nyeintheatl.com.