One of city’s quirkiest annual traditions back for it’s 20th year on Sept. 20
SOMERVILLE — Somerville’s Fluff Fest is turning 20, and all are invited to celebrate
the famous treat in Union Square on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, September 21). This year’s milestone theme,
Forever Fluff: 20 Years of Sticky, Sweet Somerville, marks two decades of celebrating the invention of Marshmallow Fluff in Union Square with zany games, music, fluff-filled snacks, and more.
“Only in Somerville could marshmallow Fluff inspire two decades of music, art, and sticky, sweet fun,”
said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “It’s a reminder that celebration, creativity, and connection – as well as fearless abandon when it comes to over-the-top fluff games — are at the heart of who we are as a city.”
Since its debut in 2005,
What the Fluff? has grown into one of Somerville’s most beloved and quirkiest annual traditions, drawing thousands of residents, visitors, artists, businesses, and community organizations. From Fluff-themed weddings to creative tattoos and games, the
festival has inspired countless memories over the years.
This year’s 20th anniversary will feature:
Live music and performances
Fluff-inspired food from local vendors
Family-friendly (and sometimes sticky) games and activities
Local businesses and artisan vendors showcasing Somerville’s creative spirit
“Twenty years of Fluff Fest is so much more than just a sweet, rocking good time – it celebrates what
makes Somerville unique,” said Jessica Eshleman, Executive Director of Union Square Main Streets. “Innovation, the arts, small businesses, and strong community connections are what make Union Square, recently named the 38th coolest neighborhood in the world,
the place to be on September 20.”
What the Fluff? is co-produced by Union Square Main Streets and the City of Somerville Arts
Council as part of the City’s ArtsUnion initiative to support cultural economic development in Union Square.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
Somerville Avenue (School St. to Warren Ave., Union Square)
Closed to all traffic: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
No parking: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Quincy St., Church St., and Bow St. will operate as two-way between Summer St. and Somerville Ave. from 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
to allow abutter access.
Hawkins St. will operate as two-way from Lake St. to Washington St. from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. to allow abutter access.
MBTA buses will be rerouted from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. For updated stop locations, visit
MBTA.com.
For more information, visit
flufffestival.com.