Upfest Presents is launching this Friday (May 17) and will last 17 days across the BS3 area. From live art being painted by some of the region's best and brightest artists, to workshops and talks for visitors to get involved with across multiple venues, live music, tours, and more - the event is set to be jam-packed full of things to do.
If you've never ventured to an Upfest event before, or even to the South Bristol area, we've compiled a guide to some of the key areas of the street art festival. These include artwork locations, venues and the hubs for activities and other goings on, so you can plan your days at the event to suit you.
It's also a handy guide to where you can go if you need a break from browsing artwork, a bite to eat, a rest stop, or simply want to soak up the sun in a nearby beer garden...
Read more: Upfest Presents 2024: A full guide to live artists and workshops across 17 days
Read more: Upfest 2024: All the live music performances at this year's event and when to see them
Venues taking part in Upfest this year
You can find a full list of every workshop, talk, tour and session - and which venue you can find them at - in our guide here.
The Upfest Gallery - 198 North Street, BS3 1JF
Upfest's year round permanent head quarters & gallery space, offering Bristol's largest range of spray paint and a custom framing service. Opening hours during Upfest Presents are Monday to Saturday (10am-5.30pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm).
The Crypt - Saint Paul's Church, Southville Road, BS3 1AS
The Crypt will be featuring artwork by Audrey Kawasaki, Insane51, L7Matrix, Jacqui Butterworth, Inkie, Squirl, Cheba, Guy Denning, Mau Mau and Rob Wass. Open May 24, 25 and 26, 12-6pm.
Local Bristol - 11-14 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1EN
Previously North Street Standard, Local Bristol is an indie bar and kitchen serving up Ma & Cheese, beer, frozen margaritas and more. Open Tuesday-Thursday (4-11pm), Friday (12pm-12am), Saturday (10am-12am) and Sunday (10am-5pm)
Dame Bar - 43 Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3 1BS
Described as having 'laid back vibes for a wild bunch' and a 'friendly neighbourhood dive bar', this is a firm favourite among local skateboarders and the wider community in BS3. Open Monday-Wednesday (4pm-12am), Thursday-Saturday (1pm-1am) and Sunday (1pm-12am).
Studio @ Bristol Beer Factory - 291 North Street, BS3 1JP
Bristol Beer Factory's very own Tap Room and events space boasts two massive screens, ideal for watching live sport. Open Monday (12-9pm), Tuesday and Wednesday (12-10pm), Thursday to Saturday (12pm-11pm) and Sunday (12-8pm).
Hen and Chicken - 210 North Street, BS3 1JF
The Hen & Chicken is a 'lively bar, events and party venue' located in the heart of North Street, Southville. It serves up a selection or local craft beers, wines and spirits, as well as fresh food from the pizza and grill kitchen. What's more, it boasts a sunny front terrace and sun-trap courtyard garden to enjoy.
The bar is open Monday and Tuesday (4pm-12am), Wednesday and Thursday (12pm-12am), Friday and Saturday (12pm-1am) and Sunday (12pm-11pm). The kitchen is open Wednesday and Thursday (12-2.30pm/5-9pm), and Friday-Sunday (12-9pm).
Frankenstein Press - 31 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1EN
Frankenstein Press is a printmaking studio based in the heart of Bedminster, Bristol, which specialises in traditional printmaking techniques and creative workshops for adults and kids. The shop is open 10am - 5pm Friday and Saturday.
Steam Crane - 4-6 North Street, Southville, BS3 1HT
Dubbed a 'North Street staple', the Steam Crane is a space where visitors can enjoy drinks, bring your own food, and browse a showcase of art from local artists. They also boast weekly pub quizzes and games night, and offer an outdoor terrace and a building full of history. Open Monday - Sunday (1pm-12am).
Silver & Steel - 74 East Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EY
A unique jewellery studio and gallery, in the heart of Bedminster, Silver & Steel offers studio space and learning and development for jewellers, beginners courses and taster workshops. The gallery space sells interesting sustainably made jewellery from independent makers and hosts regular photography exhibitions. Open to the public Thursday-Saturday (10am-6pm).
Old Bookshop - 65 North Street, BS3 1ES
The Old Bookshop is a 'friendly neighbourhood bar' situated on North Street and serving up a range of beer, wine, spirits, cider and cocktails - with food available seven days a week. Open Monday-Wednesday (4pm-11pm), Thursday (12pm-12.30am), Friday to Saturday (12pm-1.30am) and Sunday (12pm-11pm).
Kask - 51 North Street, BS3 1EN
Described as being 'one of Bristol's favourite bars thanks to its range or organic and natural wines, unfussy and unstuffy approach and friendly team' Kask also has a large garden hidden at the back of the venue. Open Wednesday and Thursday (5-11pm), Friday (4-11pm), Saturday (2-11pm) and Sunday (2-9pm).
Tobacco Factory - Raleigh Road, Southville, BS3 1TF
The original Upfest venue. The multi-use building houses the Cafe Bar, creative industry work space, live/work loft apartments, animation and performing arts schools and one of the most exciting theatre venues in the country. Open Monday-Thursday (10am-11pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-12am) and Sunday (10am-11pm).
Locations for murals and street art being painted during the 2024 festival
The locations currently listed on the map of murals and street art for the 2024 Upfest Presents festival are spread out across roads and streets including:
- North Street
- West Street
- East Street
- Dean Lane
- The Nursery
- South Street
- Palmerston Street
- Greville Road
- Lime Road
- Raleigh Road
- British Road
- Luckwell Road
- Bedminster Road
- Duckmoor Road
- at Greville Smyth Community Bowls Club
- and around a number of other local businesses and locations in the Bedminster area.
You can view the interactive map here, which also features locations of previous year's works and full descriptions of artists and their work.
