From the ’burbs to the bustle of Peachtree Street, a bevy of New Year’s Eve options are landing like a copious balloon drop. We’re narrowing down the exhaustive list for those looking for last-minute options before the clock strikes midnight.
DOWNTOWN
Peach Drop 2012 at Underground Atlanta
This marks the 23rd year the 800-pound peach has dropped at midnight. Oodles of visitors converge upon Underground Atlanta for a day full of activities. It all begins at 11 a.m. with family-friendly fare and live music. Parents can celebrate with their tots until 6 p.m. with carnival rides, face painting, balloon artists and photo ops featuring exotic birds. Football fans have the opportunity to catch pigskin action on the big screen located in Kenny’s Alley. Later in the evening, the main stage has something for multiple generations. Classic rock radio mainstay Kansas dusts off “Dust in the Wind” and other favorites. Singer-songwriter and MTV darling Pato Margetic rocks the younger set. The main attraction, however, is arguably the Peach Drop celebration and the accompanying fireworks. But the party doesn’t end just after the peach descends. The bars, restaurants and nightclubs of Kenny's Alley keep their doors open until 3 a.m.
11 a.m. Dec. 31. Free. Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta 404-523-2311, www.peachdrop.com.
LILBURN
New Year’s Eve Latin and Variety Dance Party at Thirsty’s Bar and Grill
The sound of shuffling feet will be ringing in 2012 at this dance-centric event. Fans of salsa, bachata and merengue bust their best Latin dance moves across the floor. The folks behind Dancing4fun, the event’s organizer, say the DJ will be weaving in plenty of time-honored dance tracks, too. Prepare to line up for the Electric Slide and freestyle to the likes of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Seasoned dancers will likely dive in feet first, yet newbies are more than welcome. “Dancing with the Stars” fans who have been itching to try it themselves can hop off of the couch and onto the dance floor for a complimentary lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. Refuel between songs at the appetizer bar, which will be open until 10 p.m. Access to snacks such as chicken wings, quesadillas and chicken fingers are included with admission. The feet stop moving momentarily at midnight for a complimentary champagne toast. Dancing lasts until 2:30 a.m.
8 p.m. Dec. 31. $15. Thirsty's Bar and Grill, 3907 Burns Road, Lilburn. 770-855-4396, www.dancing4fun.com.
MARIETTA
Guadalcanal Diary, Dex Romweber Duo and Flamingo Royale at Earl Smith Strand Theatre
Whether you were talking about the passion the first time around or simply heard all the stories, this all-ages concert provides a taste of Athens, Ga.’s 1980s rock ‘n’ roll heyday. Although they originally hail from Marietta, alt-rock outfit Guadalcanal Diary were one of the acts making noise on the Athens scene alongside R.E.M. and the rest. Tunes such as “Watusi Rodeo,” “Always Saturday” and “Litany (Life Goes On)” rocked the Classic City back in the day. The band is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. One of its contemporaries, Dex Romweber, who shook Athens' rafters as part of Flat Duo Jets, shares the bill as one-half of The Dex Romweber Duo. The funk-infused Flamingo Royale helps open the evening.
7 p.m. Dec. 31. $30; $45 includes after party. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org.
MIDTOWN
WISH Masquerade Ball at Whiskey Park
Nightclub mastermind Rande Gerber brings this glammy venue to life at the W Atlanta-Midtown. Massive chandeliers loom from above as the booming beat goes on. The hipster hangout provides the backdrop for its fourth annual New Year’s Eve Bash. Organizers encourage fashionistas to doll up and deck out in their party finery while sporting fancy masks. Cocktails flow at the open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Yet there should be plenty of elbow room as guests have access to the club’s seven areas. With only 350 VIP tickets available, it’s bound to sell out. Its sister club, Whiskey Blue, located on the roof of the W Atlanta-Buckhead, has its own DJ-fueled festivity ($45).
9 p.m. Dec. 31. $125. Whiskey Park at W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-724-2560, www.wishnye.com.
DOWNTOWN
8th Annual Downtown Countdown Atlanta New Year’s Eve at Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Gen-Xers looking to recapture the early ’90s can jump back with the help of this sprawling soiree. Ed Kowalczyk, frontman for alt-rock group Live, and hip-hop act Naughty By Nature share the co-headlining spot. Supporting bands include original rock from Death is a Dialogue and cover tunes courtesy of Unzipt and Blind Crush. DJs and stand-up comedy from the likes of Marcus Harvey, Shalewa Sharpe, Tushar Singh and Dan Weeks round out the bill. The action takes place across several of the hotel’s ballrooms. They’re even dedicating a spot to catch televised football. All ticketholders have access to the open bar, dinner buffets and late-night breakfast. Don’t miss the midnight balloon drop in the two main ballrooms.
8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $129-$149 general admission; $175-$225 V.I.P. Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. http://downtowncountdownatlanta.missiontix.com.
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