Somerville Arts Council/Artsunion

Want a family-friendly fluff fest without any of the "ewwww, gross" commentary that immature people would normally tack on to it? Somerville's Union Square flourishes from summer to early fall thanks in part to the Somerville Arts Council's ARTSUNION program, which deftly blends local pride, a sense of community, and (mostly free) outdoorsy fun. Take for instance the aforementioned Fluff Fest, a tribute to the gooey marshmallow concoction (invented in Somerville) with a carnival feel: midway-style games, contests, marching bands, stilt walkers, and Fluff-centric treats; older Fluffernutters could get their fill at area bars serving it in cocktails. Really. Also on the ArtsUnion schedule last year were video, music, and dance festivals, a moped-scooter rally, craft fairs, and a Halloween-themed "Ghosts of Somerville" tour. "Project MUM," an open-air nighttime dance party, transforms the unsavory area under McGrath Highway by bringing in DJs and video projections (last year with an "outer space" theme). The event schedule changes every year, so expect exciting things in 2009, ArtsUnion's fifth anniversary.

SOMERVILLE ARTS COUNCIL/ARTSUNION | 50 Evergreen, Avenue, Union Square, Somerville | 617.625.6600 x2985 | somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artsunion