The merchants of West Washington Street will join with the city of Suffolk to throw a block party this weekend.

The shindig will celebrate the end of more than a month and a half of construction that closed all or most of the street. It was the most recent in several closures in the last several years that have affected the small business owners in the area.

“I will be doing cartwheels up and down Washington Street,” said Randy Withers, owner of C3 Vino who is helping to plan the event.

Set for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, the “Rock the Block” party will include live music by Shuganamutha, barbecue, retail promotions, children’s activities including a bounce house, and more. All the activities are free.

Ironically, the street will be closed to allow the party to go on. Folks are welcome to bring lawn chairs and settle in for the fun.

Other businesses participating include East Coast Taco Company, Serendipity Salon and Broadway Fashions.

A designated area for drinking alcohol will be set aside, and C3 Vino will have its regular wine tasting that night.

“Come explore our downtown district,” Withers said. “There are no big-box stores here. This is all mom-and-pop.”

The recent road closure took place to allow re-routing of storm drains in the area, the city said. After business owners complained, half the block was opened for parking, and one lane westbound lane was later opened.

The street was repaved after the utility work was completed, and city officials said no more closures of the street are planned for the foreseeable future.