Reykjavík Pride
August 3-8
The Reykjavík Pride started in the 1990s with around 1,500 visitors, and these days, the events attract over 100,000 guests from all over the world. It is the biggest annual event in Iceland. The theme this year is “Queers of all ages”, and you can expect a variety of entertainment, plus educational and cultural events catered to all age groups. The Pride Parade, which gets bigger and more fabulous every year, takes place on August 7 at 14:00.
Picnic Concerts at Nordic House: Heikki Ruokangas
August 8
Heikki Ruokangas is an Oulu-based jazz and avant-garde guitarist and composer. By combining melody and noise, Ruokangas’ music spans from fragile and melodic to nearly violent. Ruokangas’ works are influenced by Northern Finnish nature and culture. During the Picnic Concerts, it’s possible to buy beverages and food at the in-house restaurant, and enjoy these outside. The concert takes place on a Sunday afternoon and is free of charge.
A Magical World of Two Pianos
August 12
The duo Sóley, consisting of Laufey Sigrún Haraldsdóttir and Sólborg Valdimarsdóttir, performs works from various periods of the Western music history. Next to this, the concert will include new Icelandic pieces that were specially composed for the duo. The Icelandic composers, together with Händel, Mozart, Ravel, Piazzolla, and Shostakovich will, in collaboration with the performers, take the audience on a journey – deep into the sounds of the grand piano.
Culture Night [Update 04/08: Culture Night is cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic]
August 21
Culture Night marks the start of Reykjavík’s cultural year, when museums, theatres, and other cultural institutions launch their new programme. Festivities start in the early afternoon and end in the late evening, and cover a wide variety of events. Shows take place in streets, on squares, in museums, and even in residential gardens. Traditionally, the night ends with an impressive firework show by the harbour. All events are open to the public and free of charge.
Reykjavík Jazz Festival
From August 28
Reykjavík Jazz Festival is an eight-day music festival focusing on jazz, blues, funk, and improvisation. Leading international as well as Icelandic jazz musicians perform at different stages around town. Performers come from all over the world and this year’s edition includes 2020 Grammy nominee Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, Melissa Aldana Quartet, Family Band, Broken Cycle Trio, Astra, Anna Gréta Tríó, and Blúsmenn Andreu.
