In October - Iceland Airwaves
What started as a showcase for local DJs has evolved into a full-blown, international music festival that presents the hottest new bands from the USA, Europe and Iceland. Since its debut in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has hosted Sigur Ros, Quarashi, Suede, Citizen Cope, Fat Boy Slim and the Hives, to name a few.
Numerous concerts take place in the down town Reykjavik from Hardcore Metal to R'n'B; Hip Hop, Lo-Fi and Jazz to Indie-Rock. In the evenings bars are jam packed with Iceland's very own super-star DJs. Referred to as "probably one of the top 10 musical experiences of my entire life..." by Elektra Records director Leigh Lust, Iceland Airwaves will continue to deliver the best weekend away in Europe. As The New York Times has asked "How did Reykjavik become a pop laboratory?" ...
In August - Unglist ? Young Art Festival
Unglist, the art festival of young people, has been a yearly event in Reykjavik since 1992. The festival has gone on a week each time with a multitude of performers and spectators. The program consists of music, design, fashion, photography, paintings and theatre just to mention a few. The festival has reflected the major trends that have been current in young people's art. Young art?s main purpose is to give all culture's dark corners a chance to shine and get their art into the public spotlight.
In October - Reykjavik Jazz Festival
The annual Reykjavik Jazz Festival is an increasingly prestigious event on the international jazz scene. It features many acclaimed international Jazz players as well as the majority of Iceland?s leading Jazz musicians. Over the period of 5 days the concerts are held all over Reykjavik city. The performances on the agenda are various, ranging from new compositions in Latin beat to pure Gospel, avant-garde music to children?s jazz.
In August - Cultural night
The Cultural Night in Reykjavik has become an essential part of cultural life in Iceland with thousands of people strolling the streets of the city on this exciting and eventful night. The Cultural Night offers the chance to enjoy a variety of activities ranging from traditional shows and exhibitions to more unusual happenings. Number of cultural institutes such as galleries, ateliers, shops, cafes, churches, restaurants and bars in downtown of Reykjavik stay open until late.
In August - Reykjavik Marathon
This annual event involves thousands of participants from Iceland and abroad. Marathon proper, half marathon and a so called fun run (4.3 miles). The official program starts at noon and ends in the late evening, with many functions continuing into the early morning hours.
In August - Gay pride
This colorful event brings thousands of people to City Center every year to show solidarity and have fun with the gay community in Reykjavik. Gays and lesbians come out in force and style to parade and party. The grand open air stage show down town features various entertainers, artists and bands.
In June - Sailors Day
The first Sunday of June is a very special day in Iceland reminding how important the sea and its sailors are to Icelandic history economy and people. It?s the only day when every ship in Iceland is in harbor, and all the sailors have a day off. Boats and ships of all sizes come into port carrying sailors eager to try their hands at strongman competitions and rowing competitions between ship crews and companies. On this day the Icelandic rescue squat diplays a rescue at sea at Reykjavik harbour. Sailors day is a light hearted occasion with lots of fun for the whole family.
In June - Independence day
17 June is the National Day of Iceland when the country declared full independence from Denmark in 1944. The greatest celebrations are in Reykjavik with colorful parades, street theaters and music, side shows and dancing.
In June - Summer Solstice Festival
In olden times Vikings divided the year into summer and winter halves celebrating the beginning of each new season. On June 21st the summer solstice was celebrated marking the longest day of the year. As time passed the calendar however changed emphasizing different dates for the beginning and the end of season leaving the summer solstice less important and thus not celebrated to great extent.
In later years increasing number of people have started to celebrate this date with various gatherings, song, dance and midnight walks. Today Solstice Festivals are carefully organized to make them as authentic of ancient Viking age as possible with authentic Viking clothing, instruments, jewellery, crafts, and of course food and drinks.
In February - Festival of the light
Festival of lights is a joint project of Reykjavik Energy, National Power Company, University of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland and Reykjaviks Kindergartens and Elementary Schools. The whole festival is designed to be an entertaining visual exploration of the themes, light and darkness, and how they affect the human mind and behavior. The festival is celebrated all over the city with various activities, like concerts, reading of the ghost stories, masses parades and fireworks.
In April - Reykjavik Art Festival
This is Iceland's premier cultural festival since 1970 bringing together the best in local and international theatre, dance, music and visual art. The festivals program offers a variety of selected exhibitions, concerts, dance, theatre and opera performances. Along with its focus on Icelandic culture past and present, the festival hosts many outstanding international artists and performers.
New Year´s Eve
New Year's Eve in Iceland, is one spectacular celebration. Celebrations start with a dinner, followed by going to bonfires where people sing traditional Icelandic folk songs accompanied by trolls, elves and other beings. At midnight all hell breaks loose with a spectacular display of fireworks as well as bonfire parties in many communities. This is an amazing moment for those who spend this special evening in the capital Reykjavik, something to remember for the rest of their lives. But this is only a start of the night. Parties, club outings and fireworks make everyone happy to the early morning hours welcoming the new year the Icelandic way.