This weekend, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March, Surface Festival will explore Canberra’s vibrant street art and culture. Presented by the ACT Government and curated by acclaimed graff artist PHIBS, Surface is a festival of urban art and includes exhibitions, workshops, panel talks, music and more.

Surface is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace and spans across the laneways and walls of Braddon, Civic and the National Triangle. Visitors are encouraged to walk, ride, or take public transport between festival sites.

With so much to see and plenty of ways to get involved, we’ve put together our top 5 ways to experience this year’s festival.

1. Live mural painting is a highlight of Surface. Follow the street art trail and discover distinct styles of 35 artists painted across 30 different surfaces.

• What: Live mural painting
• When: Across the entire festival– Friday 4 March 10:00am to Sunday 6 March 4:00pm
• Where: Take the 5km Street Art Trail through Braddon, Civic and National Triangle

ACT Surface Festival - 35 Lonsdale Street Braddon mega mural

2. Featuring mural artists from the festival, the ‘Under the Surface’ exhibition showcases a diverse range of urban art on canvas, board, paper and more. You can also get involved and sign up to a range of workshops to learn the skills of street art.

• What: Urban Art Exhibition and Workshop
• When: Throughout the festival – Friday 4 March 10:00am to Sunday 6 March 4:00pm
• Where: Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon.

Urban art exhibition at the Gorman Arts Centre

3. The 'Boogie Down Under Block Party' celebrates all things Surface and features live bands, DJs and dance performances. Pop your dancing shoes on and join in.

• What: Boogie Down Under Block Party
• When: Saturday 5 March, 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• Where: Scott’s Crossing, Canberra Centre

4. See some of the country’s best urban artists work at the Graffiti Paint Jam. Rabaul Lane is the scene for you to experience street art in its purist form.

• What: Graffiti Paint Jam
• When: Throughout the festival -– Friday 4 March 10:00am to Sunday 6 March 6:00pm.
• Where: Rabaul Lane, 2 Akuna Street, Civic.

Artwork by Canberra based artist VOIR

5. Round out the weekend at the festival wrap party where you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the participating artists.

• What: BentSpoke Surface Festival Wrap Party
• When: Sunday 6 March, 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• Where: BentSpoke Brew Pub, 48/38 Mort Street, Braddon

Through the Graffiti Program the ACT Government commissions murals and street art to bring colour, tell stories and inspire local communities across the capital.