Peachtree Street is one of Atlanta’s most well known stretches. It is home to hundreds of incredible businesses and venues. The street is always packed with cars of all sorts driving to wherever they are going, and people dotted along the sidewalks with friends, family, and sometimes pets. On Sunday April 27 the Atlanta Streets Alive event shut down a lengthy stretch of Peachtree Street, from 15th Street to Upper Alabama Street, for pedestrians to take over and explore free from cars. This is a reoccurring event on one Sunday each month, excluding the winter season.
There was a plethora of live music along the stretch. Some tents held full bands playing for crowds gathered around. Others housed a singular guitarist playing covers as people walked by. A few live DJs were mixing tracks for people to dance to along the street. There was even a local swing dancing business playing music and offering free dance lessons in the street. People everywhere were enjoying the plethora of music choices and all the ways to participate.
People could be found walking, skating, biking, rollerskating, scootering, you name it. There were tents set up for local businesses to promote themselves and what they do, some even had free stuff to give away. Many of the businesses along the street had doors open for people to come and check things out that they might miss when they are just driving by. There was even a parking lot that gave way to a vintage market. Dozens of different booths selling clothes, music, knick knacks, food items, etc.
This was an incredible opportunity to go outside, get my steps in, and enjoy the beautiful weather since Peachtree Street offers plenty of shade along the road. I brought some friends out with me, one of which had his film camera with him to capture some incredible moments and characters. It was great to see so many local Atlanta businesses showcasing what they are about as well as all the locals getting to take it all in. I had only planned on going for an hour or so to check it out, but we didn’t even walk the whole stretch and spent close to 4 hours out and about.
Make sure to follow this event on Instagram @atlantastreetsalive to catch it next time.
Written By: Marissa Stoll
Photos Courtesy of: Atlanta Streets Alive