Are you looking for some exciting festivals to attend in Iceland? Despite its small population, remote location, and rustic atmosphere, Iceland is home to a diverse array of musical, culinary, and artistic events. Many of these festivals draw inspiration from the country’s rich history and traditions, offering visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in Icelandic culture. From musical performances to culinary delights, these popular festivals in Iceland are sure to delight and inspire. Don’t miss out – start planning your trip to Iceland now to experience these unique and memorable events!
January
Þrettándinn – Threttandinn
Experience the end of the holiday season in Iceland with Threttandinn, a traditional party that marks the final day of Christmas celebrations. Enjoy an evening of Icelandic folklore, food, and fireworks as the Icelandic Yule Lads take center stage. This celebration is filled with strange happenings and folktales, from cows speaking to seals shedding their skin and becoming humans. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of Iceland at the Threttandinn party.
Dark Music Days Festival
Are you in need of some cheer during the dark days of winter? Look no further than the Dark Music Days Festival in Iceland. Taking place over several days in late January and early February, this popular cultural event features a mix of emerging Icelandic artists and international performers. With a range of unique and contemporary sounds on offer, there’s something for every music lover at this long-running festival. Tickets can be purchased for individual performances or, for the ultimate festival experience, grab an early-bird pass for access to all performances. Don’t miss out on this chance to lift your spirits and discover new music at the Dark Music Days Festival in Iceland.
Þorrablót – Thorrablot
Celebrate the ancient Viking tradition of Þorrablót, also known as Þorrablót, during the midwinter season. This festival, originally a feast in honor of the Norse God Thor, is marked by feasting, singing, and dancing. Traditional Viking foods such as boiled sheep’s head and fermented shark, washed down with the caraway-seed flavored spirit known as Brennivin or “black death,” are commonly served. While these dishes may not be part of the modern Icelandic diet, they can be found in abundance at grocery stores and on special Þorrablót menus at restaurants during this time. Þorrablót celebrations range from intimate dinners with loved ones to large, organized events with entertainment and activities.
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If you are visiting Iceland in January make sure to check out our complete guide on what to do in Iceland in January.
February
Food and Fun Festival
Get a taste of Iceland’s finest culinary talent at the Food and Fun Festival. This annual event brings together local and international chefs to collaborate with Reykjavík’s best restaurants, creating special menus featuring only fresh, Icelandic ingredients. Dine at participating restaurants during the festival and you may even have the chance to meet the chefs behind the delicious creations. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to savor the flavors of Iceland. Visit www.foodandfun.is for more information.
Winter Lights Festival
Escape the winter darkness with the dazzling Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik. This annual event features a range of quality light-art installations, illuminating some of the city’s most iconic buildings and public spaces. In addition to the light displays, the festival also includes Museum Night and Pool Night, with extended hours and free admission at participating museums and pools. Don’t miss out on this chance to lift your spirits and brighten up the winter season. Visit www.winterlightsfestival.is for more information.
Bolludagur
Experience the tradition of Bun Day, or Bolludagur, in Iceland during the season of Lent. On this day, homes, restaurants, and bakeries are filled with beautifully crafted buns in various shapes and sizes, filled with cream, jam, and drizzled with chocolate or caramel. Children may mark the occasion by waking their parents early with a Bolluvondur wand, decorated with color, and receiving a cream bun for each successful whack of the wand. Don’t miss out on this tasty and festive tradition in Iceland.
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Sprengidagur
Taste the flavors of Iceland on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Sprengidagur or ‘Bursting Day.’ On this day, the aroma of Saltkjot & baunir, a traditional stew-like dish made with salted lamb meat and peas, fills homes and restaurants across the country. The name ‘Sprengidagur’ refers to the idea that individuals feast on this hearty dish until they are bursting with satisfaction. Don’t miss out on this unique culinary tradition during the season of Lent in Iceland.
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March
Design March
See the best of Icelandic design at DesignMarch, a premier festival showcasing products, architecture, furniture, graphics, and interiors. Attend talks, workshops, exhibitions, and other events, and meet some of the biggest names in the industry, including Calvin Klein and Jonathan Barnbrook. This growing festival attracts thousands of guests each year, so don’t miss out on the chance to be inspired by the latest and greatest in Icelandic design. Visit www.designmarch.is for more information.
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April
Sumardagurinn fyrsti
Sumardagurinn fyrsti is a beloved Icelandic festival that marks the start of summer in the country. It is celebrated annually on the first Thursday following April 18, as determined by the Old Norse calendar which divided the year into only two seasons: winter and summer. Despite its early date, this occasion is eagerly anticipated and celebrated nationally, with the highest concentration of events taking place in the capital city of Reykjavík and other major cities around the country. The festival features street parades, musical performances, and sporting events, providing a welcome respite from the long, dark winter days and a chance to celebrate the arrival of sunlight during normal hours. Don’t miss out on the fun and festivities of Sumardagurinn fyrsti in Iceland.
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Aldrei fór ég suður
Aldrei fór ég suður, or “I never went south,” is a popular music festival held annually in Ísafjörður, a town located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. This year, the festival will take place from March 29-31 over the Easter weekend. Founded in 2003 by Mugison, a local singer-songwriter, and his father, the festival is named after a song by Icelandic music legend Bubbi Morthens and is held inside an old fish warehouse. The festival aims to showcase the talents of local musicians and bands, as well as popular acts “from the south,” or Reykjavík. Don’t miss the chance to attend this exciting event and discover the diverse and vibrant music scene of Iceland’s northern region.
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Reykjavik Blues Festival
Experience the best of blues music from Europe, Iceland, and North America at the Reykjavik Blues Festival. This exciting event brings together young and promising artists with seasoned legends for one-of-a-kind jam sessions in the Northern Hemisphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in blues music come together on stage and discover the next generation of talented musicians. Make sure to mark your calendar for the Reykjavik Blues Festival and get ready to be blown away by the power of the blues.
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May
Reykjavik Art Festival
Don’t miss the Reykjavík Art Festival, Iceland’s premier cultural event featuring the best in local and international theatre, dance, visual art, and music. Established in 1970, this festival highlights Icelandic culture while also hosting renowned artists and performers from around the globe. With a variety of programs for all ages and interests, this multi-day festival at the end of May is a must-attend for anyone looking to experience the best in Icelandic and international culture. Visit www.artfest.is for more information.
June
Sjómannadagur
Celebrate the Festival of the Sea, or Sjomannadagur, in Iceland on the first weekend of June. This holiday pays tribute to the fishermen and women who make their living from the sea, with a range of exciting events and activities. The festival features colorful parades, cultural celebrations, seafood fairs, and fisherman rescue demonstrations. You can also catch rowing races and strongman competitions, showcasing the strength and skill of Iceland’s maritime community. Don’t miss out on this festive and meaningful celebration of the sea and those who work on it.
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Iceland National Day – 17. júní
Celebrate Iceland’s independence at the National Day festivities on June 17th. Commemorating the country’s break from Denmark in 1944, this popular summer event offers something for everyone in Reykjavík, including a colorful parade, street performances, kids’ games, and free outdoor music concerts that go late into the night. Don’t miss out on this chance to join in the celebration of Iceland’s rich history and culture. Visit www.17juni.is for more information.
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Secret Solstice Festival
The Secret Solstice Festival, held annually in June, is a must-attend event for music lovers in Iceland. Launched in 2014, the festival has quickly become a beloved and respected fixture on the Icelandic music scene. With a diverse lineup that includes singer-songwriters, DJs, rock bands, and hip hop acts from Iceland and beyond, there’s something for everyone at Secret Solstice. Over the course of four days and nights, multiple stages come to life with music and entertainment, all under the mesmerizing glow of the midnight sun. Discover new artists and enjoy headlining acts like Radiohead and Die Antwoord at this exciting festival. Don’t miss out on the fun at Secret Solstice – visit www.secretsolstice.is for more information.
Viking Festival
Experience the thrill of Viking culture at the annual Viking Festival in Iceland. This exciting event transports you back in time to the world of the Vikings, with demonstrations of ships, food, handicrafts, and storytelling. The highlight of the festival is the reenacted battle scenes by actors, where you can learn to throw axes and spears or even participate in mock battles (kids can join in on their own version). Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in Viking history and culture at this one-of-a-kind festival. Note: the festival takes place in June, along with a number of other exciting events in Iceland, including the Color Run, Sailor’s Day & Sea Festival, and a large arts festival in Reykjavík.
July
Innipúkinn Festival
Innipúkinn is a small annual music festival, held in downtown Reykjavík over Iceland’s bank holiday weekend. Past performers have included Cat Power, Blonde Redhead, Mugison, Raveonnettes, Hjálmar, Trabant, Seabear, Jonathan Ritchman, Mínus, Dikta, FM Belfast and many others. Along with the music programme, this event also features a music market, pub quiz, BBQs and more. www.facebook.com/Innipukinnfestival for more information.
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LungA
Experience the electric vibes of creativity at the LungA Art Festival, held annually in Seydisfjordur, a small town of only 700 inhabitants in the middle of July. This week-long event brings together young people from around the world to share their art and ideas. The weekend begins with a celebration, exhibitions, and concerts, providing a unique opportunity to see and engage with a diverse range of artistic expression. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant and inspiring festival in Seydisfjordur. Visit www.lunga.is for more information.
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Bræðslan
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the musical magic of Bræðslan, a renowned music festival held in Borgarfjörður eystri, a small village on the East Coast of Iceland with only 110 inhabitants. The festival, which has been held for many years in the old rendering house in Bakkagerði, attracts famous bands and musicians such as Belle & Sebastian, Emiliana Torrini, Damien Rice, and John Grant. The festival takes place in a 50-year-old fish factory that is transformed into a wonderland of music for this special occasion. Surrounded by colorful mountains and breathtaking landscape, the setting for Bræðslan is as unique and beautiful as the music itself. Make sure to mark your calendar for this can’t-miss event. Visit www.braedslan.is for more information.
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Eistnaflug
Eistnaflug is a must-attend music festival for fans of heavy metal, rock, and indie music in Iceland. Held annually in the town of Neskaupstaður in east Iceland since 2005, the festival has grown from a small party for a few Icelandic bands and their friends to a massive event attracting 2000-2500 attendees in 2017. The festival has also evolved to include a wide range of genre-bending music, making it a truly diverse and exciting event. Don’t miss the chance to rock out on the edge of the world at Eistnaflug – mark your calendar for the second weekend in July and get ready to experience the best in Icelandic and international music. Visit www.eistnaflug.is for more information.
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August
Reykjavík Pride
The Reykjavík Pride Festival is a vibrant and meaningful celebration of the LGBT community and human rights in Iceland. Held annually in Reykjavík, this festival draws tens of thousands of people to the city to show their support and solidarity. The festival features a range of events, including concerts, dances, and smaller gatherings, but the main attraction is undoubtedly the energetic and family-friendly parade through the city center on Saturday afternoon. The parade is characterized by its use of rainbows and glitter, and is a joyous and celebratory celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this important and uplifting event – visit www.hinsegindagar.is for more information.
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Reykjavík Marathon
Run with thousands of runners from Iceland and abroad at the annual Reykjavík Marathon, held in August. This popular event offers something for everyone, with 1 km and 3 km “fun runs” for children and adults, a 10 km race, a half marathon, a 42.2 km team relay, and the full marathon. The races start and finish at Lækjargata in the center of Reykjavík, and runners can enjoy free admittance to Reykjavík’s thermal baths and swimming pools after the event. Note that runners must pre-register online or at the event expo the day before – registration is not available on the morning of the race. Visit www.marathon.is for more information and to sign up for this exciting event.
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Reykjavík Culture Night
Join the tens of thousands of people who flock to downtown Reykjavík for Culture Night, a celebration of Iceland’s diverse cultural scene. Held in August, this event features a range of free activities, including outdoor concerts, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions, street performances, and an impressive fireworks show by the harbor. The city’s museums also stay open late for this occasion, providing a unique opportunity to explore Icelandic culture and history. Local residents even offer free waffles and coffee to attendees – just look for the signs that say “vöfflur” to find a warm and welcoming host. Don’t miss out on this exciting and festive event – visit www.menningarnott.is for more information.
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Fiskidagurinn mikli
Experience the culinary and cultural delights of the Great Fish Day festival in Iceland. Originally a one-day event, the festival has grown into a multi-day celebration, taking place from Wednesday evening to Sunday night. The highlight of the festival is the impressive seafood buffet, featuring the freshest fish and seafood from the area, including haddock, cod, and salmon. Don’t miss the opportunity to try plokkfiskur, a traditional Icelandic fish stew. In addition to the food, there are also fjord cruises, street theatre, horseback riding, and other activities to enjoy. The festival also coincides with prolific whale activity in the area, making it a great time to go whale watching and see these magnificent creatures up close. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event – plan your trip to the Great Fish Day festival today.
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September
Reykjavík International Film Festival – RIFF
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF), a premier event on the international film festival circuit. Founded in 2004, RIFF attracts over 25,000 guests annually, and offers a range of film workshops, director talks, and discussion panels in addition to screenings of documentaries, full-length features, shorts, animations, and other notable films from Iceland and around the world. This multi-day event includes world premieres and award-winning films from other festivals, and culminates in the presentation of the Golden Puffin award to the winner of RIFF’s competition. Tickets can be purchased at screenings or online in advance at www.riff.is. Make sure to add RIFF to your calendar and enjoy the best in international and Icelandic cinema.
Réttir
Experience Icelandic culture and tradition at Rettir, a time when farmers round up the sheep that have been grazing freely in the mountains and valleys throughout the summer. This event, which takes place in September, is not a traditional festival but rather a common occurrence in farming communities. However, more and more tourists and travelers are being recruited to help with the sheep round-up, giving the event a festive atmosphere. After the sheep have been successfully brought in, the celebration continues with a homemade meal, traditional song and dance, and the drinking of Brennivín, a type of Icelandic schnapps. Whether you’re an experienced horse rider or just want to lend a helping hand, Rettir is a unique and authentic way to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture.
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October
Iceland Airwaves Music Festival
Discover the hottest new music at the annual Iceland Airwaves festival, held in Reykjavík. Since its inception in 1999 as a showcase for local DJs in an airplane hangar, Iceland Airwaves has grown to become a major international music event, attracting some of the most promising new bands from around the world. Known as the “hippest long weekend on the annual music festival calendar” by Rolling Stone magazine, this festival attracts thousands of visitors to sample the sounds of fresh musical talent, both foreign and local. In addition to the music, Iceland Airwaves also offers visitors the opportunity to explore all that Iceland has to offer. Keep in mind that tickets for this popular event tend to sell out quickly, but there are always some free off-venue shows at bars and cafes around the city. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Iceland Airwaves – visit www.icelandairwaves.is for more information.
November
December
New Year’s Eve
Experience the ultimate New Year’s celebration in Iceland, where the holiday is taken to new heights. On New Year’s Eve, shops close early while bars, clubs, and music venues stay open late to accommodate the crowds of revelers. While Icelandic tradition dictates that families dine together on this day, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of Reykjavík’s fine restaurants before joining in the evening festivities, including neighborhood bonfires held throughout the city. As midnight approaches, everyone heads outside with champagne and sparklers in hand to watch an impressive display of fireworks welcoming in the new year. The celebrations continue into the early morning hours, followed by a quiet day on January 1st. Make the most of this holiday by joining one of our Iceland New Year’s tour packages.
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