Ready or not, this year’s installment of PorchFest will be hitting the city this coming weekend.

Those who have, in the past, taken notice of the event – and it is an event that is rather difficult not to notice – usually have fairly strong opinions of approval or distaste for the goings on.

For the uninitiated, PorchFest invites local musicians to give something of an informal concert outside their homes, either on a front or back porch, yard, garden, etc.

The event is organized and presented by the Somerville Arts Council, who register participants and provide interested parties with maps to the “stars’” homes. The music kicks off at noon and continues through three different neighborhoods until 6:00 p.m.

Some folks love it, others hate it, and of course there are plenty who fall in the middle. If you’ve never attended, you should check it out, if for no other reason than to say you’ve been there.

One thing that everyone can pretty much agree on is the fun to be had at the Ignite! Global Food and Fire Festival from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Union Square. There will be international foods, exhilarating exhibitions of fiery derring-do, and all manner of illuminating entertainment.

So, if you’re free for the day, you might want to take in one or more musical presentations at a porch near you, and follow it up with the dazzling sights and sumptuous flavors offered at Ignite!

Get the details for both events at https://somervilleartscouncil.org. You’ll be mighty glad you did.