It is not a stairway to heaven, but it does offer elevated views of the New York City skyline.

A 55-foot-tall climbing wall stands in front of Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park for The North Face Climb Festival, billed as a two-day “celebration of climbing and culture” with a competition, panel discussions, live DJ sets and food trucks. It’s the first festival in the city, and according to organizers, admission is free and open to the public on Friday and Saturday.

While only registered participants will be allowed to climb the curved wall and drop into the water below, there will be a smaller bouldering wall on site for guests. Climbing legends such as Alex Honnold (known from the 2018 National Geographic documentary “Free Solo”) and Chris Sharma, as well as Hood Hikers founder Jasmine Guadalupe and Bridge Runners founder Mike Saes are expected to participate in panel discussions on Saturday along with other athletes.

Competition on the 55-foot-high wall begins Friday morning with more than 100 competitors in the open and paraclimbing categories. The water beneath the wall will be deep enough to ensure safe falls and the wall is wide enough for two identical climbing routes, organizers said.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and able to swim. Winners in each category will receive $4,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $500 for third place.

A water safety team and paramedic will be on-site for any issues, and ropes will be available for anyone who wants to use them, according to The North Face. Movement Gyms, which has climbing facilities in Gowanus, Long Island City and Harlem, will provide the bouldering walls for guests, and DJ sets will be curated by Lot Radio. The event will take place whatever the weather, and the wall has already been seen in London, Shanghai and Chicago, where the inaugural festival took place last year.

The festival ends on Saturday at 8pm with a party hosted by concert collective Renegade and Brazilian DJ Beltran. Check out the full schedule here.

The North Face Climb Festival opens at 10am on Friday 23rd August and Saturday 24th August.