The odor wafting out of downtown Easton’s Centre Square this weekend will be matched by the energy and excitement of garlic lovers during the 16th Annual Easton Garlic Fest.

A family-friendly event, the festival is free to attend on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., rain or shine.

More than 90 vendors, including merchandise and crafters, prepared foods, packaged foods, garlic vendors, and service providers will be in attendance.

There will be a Hometown Heroes Cook-off at 1 p.m. on Sunday where the City of Easton Police take on the city’s fire department and EMS; and a Mayors’ cook-off at 3 p.m. on Sunday where Easton Mayor Sal Panto will partner with Easton Garlic Fest Headline Chef Ricky Heinrichs, executive chef of Pearly Baker’s to take on Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman and Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen Ellis along with their partner chefs.

Other highlights include:

• The Sizzlin’ Hot Latin Quarter, located on Northampton Street between Second and Third streets. The event will be both days and feature Hispanic and Latino food vendors; the Livin’ in the Rhythm Drum Circle with more than 20 drums; DJ Nino and AP el Inquieto, who performs Reggaeton music; Colombian musician and singer Omaira; and the Swing Combo Salsa and Rio Bossa bands.

• Three stages of free live music: The School of Rock Stage at Northampton and Fourth streets; the Sizzlin’ Hot Latin Music Stage at Northampton and South Second streets; and the Stinkin’ Beer Tent Stage at South Third and Ferry streets.

• Big Stinkin’ Wheel of Cheese Tasting. This tasting starts with a wheel of Reggiano Parmesan cheese which chefs light on fire and roll pasta and garlic in the melted cheese. Cheese wheel and pasta are provided by sponsor Vicidomini USA.

• Gastric Garlic People’s Choice Contest: Noon-2:30 p.m. on Saturday; located in the Pungent Plaza. Participants sample and judge the best garlic dish created by chefs from local restaurants and determine which chef will take home the garlic bulb winner’s plaque.

• Dangerous Desserts People’s Choice Contest: Noon-2:30 p.m. on Sunday; located in the Pungent Plaza. Participants sample and judge the best garlic dessert created by chefs from local restaurants.

• Garlic Growers Tasting Competition: Saturday at 11 a.m.

• Live cooking demonstrations both days by chefs from ShopRite, Aman’s Indian Restaurant, Stoke, and Easton Public Market on the Stinkin’ Culinary Stage.

• Little Stinkers Row at North Third and Church streets: pony rides, moon bounce and other activities.

For more information, including the complete event and band schedule, visit http://eastongarlicfest.com.