ArtsUnion Market Tours: various dates

The Somerville Arts Council gives tours of Union Square international food markets. Join us and learn where to find ingredients like Nepalese timur (a fragrant spice used in pickles), squid ink pasta and Haitian Akasan (a cornmeal drink). Beyond discovering the culinary exotica available in Union Square, we’ll learn about the history of these stores and how their clientele represents the cultural community of Somerville. Each tour visits three markets and we’ll point out others along the way. Featured markets include: Casa de Carne, Well Foods Plus Halal Market, La Internacional, Little India, New Bombay Market, Pao de Acucar & Brazilian Buffet and the Reliable Market. Without leaving Union Square, we’ll visit Brazil, Korea, India, Nepal, Guatemala and Haiti!
Dates:
Thur, June 28th, 6pm-7:30pm
Sat, July 14th, 2pm-3:30pm
Thur, July 19th, 6pm-7:30pm
Thur, August 2nd, 6pm-7:30pm
Sat, September 1st, 2pm-3:30pm
Thur, September 13th, 6pm-7:30pm
Cost: $5
more info coming soon on how to sign up

Hungry Tiger Street Food Fest

The Somerville Arts Council will transform Union Square into a bustling night food market similar to those found in Asia—yet those found in South America and the old-world cities of Europe, too. It will feature foods from around the globe served by local Union Square restaurants. Beyond food, there will be interactive food-related activities like a “Test your nose” table, an interactive global food map, as well as music and fire performers!
Date: August 11th
Location: Union Square Plaza

Swirl & Slice: Specialty Foods Market

Building on the well-attended and vibrant Saturday morning farmers market, Union Square Main Streets launches a second market to celebrate the specialty foods produced by Massachusetts farms. The items at Swirl & Slice: Union Square Specialty Foods Market will be those you’d pack for a romantic, summer picnic or bring for a weekend away with friends. Wine, cheese, cured meats, breads, jams, pickles and other locally-produced, refined foods that typically take the back seat at other farmers’ markets will be the stars here. Bread and other baked goods, roasted nuts, and cut flowers are also expected to be among the offerings. More info here.
Date: Thursday evenings on Union Square Plaza, Somerville, MA, June 14 through September 20, 5 pm to 8 pm

Fluff Festival

Surely you have heard of the Fluff Fest! Or, if not, surely you know that Fluff, that delictable, gooey all-American substance, was created by Archibald Query here in Union Square in 1917. Any way, each year, we throw a huge street party to honor this Union Square invention. Produced by Union Square Main Streets as part as the Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion series,the festival showcases Fluff-themed art, musical and theatrical performers, inventors, humorists, a Fluff cooking contest, Fluff-themed games, as well as the election of the Pharaoh of Fluff!

Date: Sat, September 22nd (Raindate Sun, September 23rd) 3pm-7pm
Location: Union Square, Somerville