Here you’ll find an overview of the most important Iceland festivals. I might add that a lot of villages have their own yearly festivals by now, mostly during the summertime.
Photo: Reykjavik Marathon
February
- Festival of the light, Reykjavík – Visual exploration of light and darkness. Concerts, reading of ghost stories, parades and firework
- Reykjavík Art Festival – local and international theater, dance, music and visual arts.
June
- Sailors Day – on the first Sunday of June. Every ship in harbour, sailors having the day off. Competitions and festivities.
- Independence day – June 17th. National Day of Iceland celebrating independence from Denmark. Parades and festivities.
- Summer Solstice Festival – June 21st. Celebrations with authentic Viking clothing, instruments, jewellery, crafts, food and drinks.
August
- Bank holiday week-end – First week-end of August. Celebrations in many places of the country, with music, outdoor living and festivities.
- Unglist – Young Art Festival in Reykjavík, covering music, design, fashion, paintings, photography, theater etc.
- Reykjavík Marathon – Thousands of Icelanders and participants from abroad
- Gay Pride – Parades and parties bringing thousands of Icelanders to the Reykjavík City Center. Various entertainers, artists and bands.
- Cultural night – variety of activities such as traditional shows and exhibitions. Galleries, ateliers, cafés, shops, churches, restaurants and bars stay open until late.
September/October
- Reykjavík Film Festival
- Reykjavík Jazz Festival - many acclaimed international jazz players along with leading Icelandic jazz musicians.
October
- Iceland Airwaves: International music festival, presenting the hottest new bands from USA, Europe and Iceland.
December
- New Year’s Eve – Celebrations, bonfires, spectacular fireworks
