As befitting a project more than a decade in the making, at a cost of billions, and spanning 24 acres, the celebration for The Wharf’s first phase of development will not be small by any measure.

There will be four days of events, fireworks, and activities starting on October 12. More than 30 bands, stilt walkers, face painters, muralists, magicians, and … Kevin Bacon are all involved.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be here in the 30-day home stretch after a decade of detailed planning,” said Monty Hoffman, founder and CEO of developer PN Hoffman, in a release. “We’re bringing an unparalleled celebration to the nation’s capital.”

The first phase of the project broke ground in 2014, creating a semi-permanent crowd of cranes at the banks of the river (and prompting one Republican congressman to claim that Washingtonians deserve a recession) as they built up 14 separate structures. It includes four residential buildings, three hotels, and two office buildings. Phase two of the project is expected to break ground in the middle of next year, and be completed in 2022.

More than a dozen restaurants (including the return of Chef Kwame Onwuachi), a slew of retailers (Politics & Prose’s second outpost among them), and two music venues (the 6,000-seat The Anthem from the owners of the 9:30 Club, and Pearl Street Warehouse) are all throwing their doors open on Thursday. See here The Wharf’s website for a full list of restaurants and retailers and when they’ll open.

As for the opening celebration, it is slated to begin and end with fireworks. Kevin Bacon’s band, The Bacon Brothers, will headline the opening concert on Thursday. All performances and outdoor activities are free.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Opening ceremony at District Pier

12 p.m.: Fireworks

12 – 9 p.m.: Live music and entertainment, with stages at at District Pier, Transit Pier, Sutton Square, Pearl Street, Blair Alley Fountain, and 7th Street Park.

Performers include the Children’s Chorus of Washington, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Eastern High School Second Line Band, Oh He Dead, Emma G, Kevin Pedini, and The String Queens. There will also be fire performers and opportunities for paddle boarding.

5 p.m.: Concert featuring The Bacon Brothers at the District Pier

6:30 p.m.: Sunset fireworks

Friday, October 13

10 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Live music and entertainment, with stages at at District Pier, Transit Pier, Sutton Square, Pearl Street, Blair Alley Fountain, and 7th Street Park.

Expect to find bubble artists, yoga, s’mores at a fire pit, and silent disco, along with performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Batalá Washington, and others.

6 – 7:30 p.m.: Concert by Go Go Gadjet at District Pier

Saturday, October 14

10 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Live music and entertainment, with stages at at District Pier, Transit Pier, Sutton Square, Pearl Street, Blair Alley Fountain, and 7th Street Park.

Expect to find yoga on the pier, Culture Shock DC Dancers, dragon boats, and children’s performer The Great Zucchini. Jimi Smooth & HitTime, Aztec Sun Band, and the Wil Gravatt Band are among the musical line-up.

6 – 7:30 p.m.: Concert by White Ford Bronco at District Pier

Sunday, October 15

9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Live music and entertainment, with stages at at District Pier, Transit Pier, Sutton Square, Pearl Street, Blair Alley Fountain, and 7th Street Park.

Expect to find a Yala fitness class, kites, s’mores, kayaking, and an art exhibition.

10 a.m.: Morning activities with Rocknoceros Kids’ Band

12 p.m.: The U.S. Army Band Downrange

4 p.m.: Blessing of The Wharf at District Pier

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Headliner Concert by Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University at
District Pier

6:30 p.m.: Sunset fireworks