SOMERVILLE – Somerville is getting ready to celebrate everything fluff this weekend. “What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Innovation” celebrates the invention of the regional marshmallow treat for the 19th time.

The theme for 2024 is “Somerville Over the Rainbow: No Place Like Fluff,” so participants are asked to wear colorful clothing and bring “Toto” as well.

Around 20,000 visitors are expected at the free festival for all ages.

“It celebrates Somerville’s proud tradition of innovation with live music, delicious feasts, sticky games, crazy events and more,” say organizers.

When and where does the Fluff Festival take place in Somerville?

The festival will take place on Saturday, September 21st, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Union Square in Somerville.

According to the weather forecast, there is a possibility of rain showers. The rain date for the festival is Sunday.

Activities and food at the Fluff Festival

There are all sorts of Fluff-themed activities that are guaranteed to make a mess, including marshmallow tossing, Fluff musical chairs, Fluff limbo, and Fluff haircuts.

A lineup of musical performers is also planned for the Fluff ‘N Jam Stage. Click here to view the full schedule of events.

Of course, there will be plenty of marshmallow items and food offerings, such as Fluff-topped beer, Fluffernutter donuts and ice cream, and even Fluff chocolate chip cookie empanadas.

The origins of Fluff

Fluff is a marshmallow cream made from corn syrup, sugar, egg whites and artificial flavors. Fluff has been more than 100 years.

The festival always features an Archibald Query impersonator, who is credited with inventing the popular New England theater in Union Square in 1917.

For more information on the history of Fluff, see the WBZ-TV report above.