Get ready to celebrate one of Massachusetts’ quirkiest claims to fame, Marshmallow Fluff, at Somerville’s Fluff Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025! This annual Union Square tradition is more than just a playful, sugary street fair, it’s a celebration of local history, invention, and the joy of getting sticky in the name of fun.
Marshmallow Fluff’s story began right here in Somerville. The sweet spread was originally created in 1917 by Archibald Query, who sold it door-to-door until World War I ingredient shortages forced him to pause production. In 1920, two local WWI veterans and Swampscott High School graduates, H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower, bought the Fluff formula for $500 and got to work. They cooked at night and sold it door-to-door in Somerville, and their passion paid off—by 1930, they were New England’s leading marshmallow cream distributors. They shortened the origin al name, “Toot Sweet Marshmallow Fluff,” and even launched the first-ever Fluff radio ads with the “Flufferettes.”
Fast forward to today, Marshmallow Fluff is still made locally in Lynn, MA, and the Fluff Festival has become a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike. Expect live music, local food vendors putting Fluff into everything imaginable (from empanadas to cocktails), Fluff-themed contests, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re crafting a Fluff hairdo, entering the Fluff Lick-Off, or just sampling the city’s most creative Fluff treats, there’s no shortage of fun. Somerville’s Fluff Fest is a tribute to local innovation, proof that something as simple as a sugary spread can become a cultural phenomenon. Stay tuned for the full lineup and event details, and don’t forget: wear something washable—you will get Fluffed!
Just around the corner from The Cambria, the fun begins at Bow Market and stretches along Somerville Ave, lined with live music and games. Check out the map and more information here, we hope to see you there!
