Upfest

Upfest is Europe's largest street art and graffiti festival, held each May across the streets of Bedminster in south Bristol. Over several days, hundreds of artists from across the world descend on the neighbourhood to paint murals, walls, shutters and buildings — transforming BS3 into an open-air gallery that anyone can walk through for free.

The scale is genuinely extraordinary. Past editions have featured artists from dozens of countries working across hundreds of surfaces, with styles ranging from photorealist portraiture and bold typographic work to abstract murals and politically charged large-format pieces. Watching artists work live — on ladders, platforms and scissor lifts — is one of the most distinctive free experiences Bristol offers.

Beyond the walls, Upfest brings together independent traders, food vendors and live entertainment across the festival weekend, creating a neighbourhood atmosphere that feels both local and internationally significant. Many of the murals remain permanently, meaning Bedminster itself is a living record of the festival's history.

Upfest is free to explore. Some ticketed events and evening sessions run alongside the main festival — check the official listings for details.