June 17th celebrations in Reykjavík
National Day, June 17, has a diverse and spectacular program.
There’s a parade from Hallgrímskirkja, concerts, street theater, dance parties, a circus, playgrounds, food trucks, and vintage car exhibitions at Hljómskálagarður and Klambratún and more.
Morning program at Austurvöllur
The ceremony, hosted by Alþingi and the Prime Minister's Office, begins at Austurvöllur at 11:10am and will be broadcast on RÚV.
The ceremony will have a new format this year, as Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has invited President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir to deliver the celebration address, which has always been given by the prime minister.
The prime minister will lay a wreath from the Icelandic people at the memorial to Jón Sigurðsson, and The Lady of the Mountain will deliver an address. According to tradition, her identity remains secret until she walks onto the square. A procession will march from Austurvöllur to Hólavallagarður Cemetery, where Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir, President of City Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of Reykjavík residents at the graves of Jón Sigurðsson and his wife, Ingibjörg Einarsdóttir.
Parade
Scouts will lead a parade from Hallgrímskirkja Church at 1pm. This year’s parade will be especially festive, with a longer route from Hallgrímskirkja to the main festival grounds in Hljómskálagarður.
Mystery guests will join the parade, including all of Iceland's guardian spirits. The Svanur Brass Band will set the pace.
Everyone is welcome to join.
Life and festivities in Hljómskálagarður
At Hljómskálagarður, there will be activities for all, including dance, circus, and bouncy castles. Hitt Húsið Youth Center arts groups will stage performances throughout the park. Hljómskálagarður will be packed with all kinds of entertainment for the whole family. Free admission to all program events and attractions.
Stage program:
Sisters Dóra Júlía and Helga Margrét will host the main stage.
1:50pm Leikhópurinn Lotta (Lotta Theater Company)
2:30pm Dansskóli Birnu Björns (Birna Björns Dance School)
2:40pm Lína Langsokkur (Pippi Longstocking)
3:00pm Gugusar
3:20pm Dans World Class (World Class Dance)
3:30pm Inspector Spacetime
4:10pm Dans Brynju Péturs (Brynja Pétur's Dance Group)
4:30pm Emmsjé Gauti (MC Gauti)
5:00pm VÆB
1–5pm Krúserklúbburinn (Cruiser Club) Car Show on Skothúsvegur
2–5pm Reykjavik HEMA Club has two courts for live sparring and sword arts
2:30pm Dans Afríka Iceland: Drumming and dancing in the garden
Throughout the park:
Bouncy castles
Scout obstacle course
Climbing wall
Food trucks
Hringleikur will perform circus acts at select locations.
Dans Afrika Ísland will dance for guests.
Arts groups from Hitt Húsið will present a mix of cultural events in the park.
Hitt Húsið street theater will showcase their talents in Hljómskálagarður.
Festival at Klambratún
We'll celebrate Iceland's National Day at Klambratún with a light and fun atmosphere for the whole family, starting at 1pm.
Program:
1:00pm Food trucks and play equipment
1:00pm DJ Fusion Groove
2:00pm The Workers' Brass Band (Lúðrasveit Verkalýðsins)
2:45pm Brynja Pétur's Dance Group (Dans Brynju Péturs)
3:00pm Þorri and Þura for young children
4:00pm JSB Dance (Dans JSB)
Accordion festivities at City Hall
Harmonikufélag Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Accordion Society) invites you to an accordion concert and dance at City Hall. Admission is free, with ample seating and room to dance. The program runs from 3-4pm. This will be a lively celebration.
Árbær Open Air Museum
June 17 will be celebrated at Árbær Open Air Museum with a diverse and entertaining program featuring national costumes, folk dances, The Lady of the Mountain, vintage cars, accordion music, concessions and classic candy treats. Free admission for children, disabled people, Culture Card holders, and anyone wearing a national costume.
As usual, the national costume and folk dances are in the forefront on this festive day, and guests are encouraged to wear their own national costumes.
The Árbær Open Air Museum's Lady of the Mountain will be crowned at the Lækjargata museum building at 2pm, followed by folk dance instruction led by Atli Freyr Hjaltason from Þjóðdansafélagið (Folk Dance Society).
Several members of Fornbílaklúbburinn (Vintage Car Club) will bring their classic cars, which will be displayed throughout the museum grounds.
There's plenty to choose from, and you can view the full program and map of street closures for the celebrations at www.17juni.is
Guests are encouraged to attend and participate in the festivities.
Everyone is welcome!
Happy Festival!