Downtown ‘ball drop’ on New Year’s Eve canceled for second year in a row

The New Year just doesn’t seem to begin without a proper ball drop at midnight. But for the second year in a row, that won’t be happening in Detroit.

“The Drop,” which was supposed to take place at Beacon Park downtown, has been cancelled once again. Event producers told the Detroit Free Press that lack of sponsorship funding, as well as scheduling and logistical issues, caused the cancellation.

Update: Michigan First Credit Union announced that it will be the title sponsor for NYE 2021’s ball drop, making it much more likely the event will take place next year.

The relatively new Detroit tradition of dropping a ball with a neon-lit “D” at the stroke of midnight began in 2010. It was moved to Beacon Park in 2017 after outgrowing Campus Martius. In previous years, there were heated tents with games and live music beginning at 4 p.m.

Here are some other New Year’s Eve events in Detroit:

• Kids Countdown at Beacon Park from 1-6 p.m. (free)
• Resolution Ball at the Fillmore Detroit starting at 8 p.m. ($125)
• Rock the Boat party on the Detroit Princess starting at 7 p.m. ($85)
• Gold Cash Gold party from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. ($55)

Let us know about what else is happening on New Year’s Eve in the comments section and we’ll add them to the list.