Festivals in Reykjavík
Festivals shape the character of the city
Culture Night
Culture Night, Reykjavík's largest anniversary and partner festival, will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. You could say the festival is the highlight of the summer, with fun events coloring public life in the city center from morning to evening. The festival is for all city residents and guests who want to join the celebration and have fun. Many families and groups of friends now have a tradition of meeting up on Culture Night to enjoy a fun-filled day together.
Winter Lights Festival
Winter Lights Festival is from February 4-7, 2027 in all six municipalities of the capital area. This festival of light and darkness includes Museum Night, Pool Night, and the Light Trail, along with over 150 events where numerous artists help create a unique atmosphere in the city.
Children's Culture Festival
The Children's Culture Festival in Reykjavík runs April 20-26, with the entire city serving as its venue. A wide variety of events will be held at primary schools, preschools, recreation centers, cultural institutions, arts schools and other locations throughout the city. The festival includes all art forms for children and their families.
June 17th
National Day, June 17, will have varied events. There’s a parade from Hallgrímskirkja, concerts, street theater, dance parties, a circus, playground equipment, food trucks, and vintage car exhibitions at Hljómskálagarður and Klambratún and more.
Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves is the largest music festival held in Iceland each year. This three-day music celebration is one of the highlights of the year in Reykjavík, with the city buzzing with energy throughout the festival.
Reykjavík Pride
Reykjavík Pride runs Aug. 4-9 this year and is arguably the most colorful festival of the year. The Reykjavík Pride Parade is the festival's biggest event, with plenty more on offer throughout the week.
Christmas City
During Advent, the city fills with Christmas spirit and festive lights. The Yule Cat makes an appearance at Lækjartorg, the lights on the Oslo Tree are lit on the First Sunday of Advent, festive lights adorn Austurvöllur, and the Christmas Market and carol singing round out the season.
Reykjavík Arts Festival
Reykjavík Arts Festival is an interdisciplinary festival with a focus on innovation. It takes place in both traditional and unconventional spaces throughout the city and extends beyond the city limits. The festival is held every two years and will next take place in June 2028.
Iceland Noir — Reykjavík
Iceland Noir — Reykjavík is an international literary festival focused on crime fiction and innovation in storytelling. The festival runs Nov. 11-14, 2026.
Reykjavík Dance Festival
The festival is an important platform for Icelandic dance, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and social responsibility. The festival will take place from Nov. 10-15, 2026 to 9.
Dark Music Days
Dark Music Days is a forward-thinking music festival that supports Icelandic composers and adds diversity to the city's cultural calendar. The festival will take place from Jan. 28-31, 2027.
DesignMarch
The festival has put Reykjavík on the map as a creative and forward-thinking city, bringing together diverse fields of design and architecture in a vibrant, professional celebration that benefits both industry and community. The festival takes place in spring 2026.