It’s that time of year in Iceland again: the weather is getting colder, the unforgiving wind is picking up, and the nights are slowly getting longer at the daylight’s expense. This brings up a true highlight of the cultural calendar: Iceland Airwaves! The official lineup is now complete and the festival is just two weeks away. I personally have fond memories of e.g. GusGus in Harpa in 2015, Unnsteinn in Iðnó in 2022 and hip hop dogs Úlfur Úlfur (the name literally translates to Wolf Wolf) in Kolaportið last year. The cover photo for this post is from that concert, where the atmosphere was electric.
Since its first edition in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has served as a joyful celebration of the local music scene, a place for international fans to discover their favourite new Icelandic bands, and just a fun and raucous party that takes over downtown Reykjavík.
When: November 6-8, 2025
Where: The heart of downtown Reykjavík, a.k.a. postcode 101.
Who: A wide range of musical acts from Iceland and abroad, in addition to the music lovers and industry people flocking to see them.
What: A multi-genre music festival (including conference events).
Why: A great way to find your new favourite Icelandic act, make the most of the autumn in Iceland, and experience the best downtown Reykjavík has to offer in a whirlwind three days.
Dress accordingly
The festival is held in Iceland in early November, so no doubt it can be cold. Seeing as the concerts are inside and the venues are usually packed, no doubt you’ll also be hot and sweaty. The key is to wear layers.
Don’t plan too much
The great thing about a festival like Iceland Airwaves is discovering something new and unexpected. That band you’ve never heard of that is playing next could be the next big thing. Let yourself drift from concert to concert and stay open-minded for new acts! Of Monsters and Men were discovered at Airwaves.
Do something during the day
Nobody’s saying you must wake up early and go worm hunting with the early birds, but when you do manage to roll out of bed, check out a museum, the Sky Lagoon, or the Golden Circle.
Look at the schedule
Most of the bands performing at the festival are up-and-coming artists as opposed to established acts. We recommend familiarising yourself with the music beforehand to know which artists you want to see.
Don’t miss the off-venues
Don’t have a ticket? Off-venue concerts are open to everyone. Are two of your favourite acts playing at the same time? Check out if either one of them is playing an off-venue gig as well and go see them both.
The Full Lineup For Iceland Airwaves 2025
The full lineup was ready on 16 October and features these artists:
Our Picks For Airwaves 2025
Icelandic Artists
Herra Hnetusmjör – The most popular rapper in Iceland for the past decade or so, his style is energetic, technically advanced hip-hop that ranges from street bangers to catchy pop smashes with lyrics that people commonly sing along with. He has collaborated with many of the other biggest names on the local rap scene, e.g. Úlfur Úlfur, Emmsé Gauti and Saint Pete (who also plays at this year’s Airwaves).
Bríet – An award-winning singer-songwriter, her music features a distinctive, evocative sound that seamlessly blends introspective pop with vibrant, electronic, and sometimes country-influenced elements. Bríet’s music resonates deeply with audiences in Iceland and beyond, drawing attention from international listeners who are captivated by her unique voice and storytelling. Having started her journey as a teenager, Bríet has spent years honing her craft, using her music as a medium to explore and express complex emotions.
Retro Stefson – This exuberant group creates eclectic alternative/pop and dance music that deliberately crosses genres and continents. They started making music together in 2006 when brothers Unnsteinn Manuel and Logi Pedro joined forces with school friends Þórður, Gylfi, Jón Ingvi, Haraldur Ari and Þorbjörg Roach. Ten years later (2016), they went in different directions but joined forces again with a concert at the end of last year. They are known for lively stage performances and now they are back at Airwaves, a decade on from last time.
Gugusar – Her experimental music, which she writes and produces entirely on her own, is impossible to categorize, ranging from soft and melodic pop to heavy drum & bass. Gugusar is also not afraid to jump between lyrics in Icelandic and English, and sometimes she just hums and sings in no language. Her music is experimental and you never know what is around the corner when you listen to her music.
Kári Egils – A highly promising singer-songwriter and pianist, his indie pop features mature, melodic songwriting, lush arrangements, and influences that blend ’70s sounds with modern production techniques. Last year, he received the “Brightest Hope” award at the Icelandic Music Awards.
Sigrún – The Icelandic/Canadian singer-songwriter’s music is moody and intelligent, framed by a powerful yet sensitive voice and strong influences from folk and jazz, akin to artists like Joni Mitchell and Mazzy Star. Producing and singing she threads together intricate experimental electronics and alternative pop, compelling pop ballads along with clubby stompers.
Valdimar – Their sound is an electro indie mix where their music builds from soft and intimate moments to a “hair-raising, heart-stirring” energy, often featuring a small brass section. The band was formed by lead singer Valdimar Guðmundsson and Ásgeir Aðalsteinsson in 2009. Soon they had a band of six and became a hit with the general public as well as critics.
Jelena Ćirić – Her expressive voice and incisive storytelling anchor an indie singer-songwriter style, with music nourished by the rich folk melodies of the Balkans and the North American songwriting tradition. She was born in Serbia and raised in Canada but has been living in Iceland for many years now. Jelena’s debut EP ‘Shelters one’ was awarded Folk Album of the Year at the 2021 Icelandic Music Awards.
International Artists
Joey Valence & Brae – This American hip-hop duo delivers a high-octane, tongue-in-cheek blend of punk rap, rap rock, and nerdcore, drawing heavily from the kinetic energy and sampled textures of 90s old-school hip-hop like the Beastie Boys. The duo met during their freshman year at Pennsylvania State University, where they became friends and started creating music together. Their first single “Crank It Up” was released in 2021.
Saya Gray – Her work is an ingeniously original and eclectic blend of alternative folk-pop, weaving acoustic and country guitar sounds with electronica and hip-hop elements like trap beats. Gray began playing music in a house band for a Jamaican Pentecostal church. After dropping out of high school in order to take night classes instead, she moved to London in the United Kingdom at the age of nineteen. Her debut album was released in 2022.
WU LYF – The band’s iconic sound is characterized by crashing drums, exhilarating crescendos, and rough, almost indecipherable vocals, all within a grand, cult-like rock aesthetic. WU LYF formed in the summer of 2008 and consisted of “Jeau” (Joe Manning), “Lung” (Tom McClung), “Elle Jaie” (Ellery Roberts) and “Evnse” (Evans Kati). They split up in 2012 but got back together early this year.
Silvana Estrada – The Mexican singer-songwriter performs personal, poetic, and soulful Latin American songs, drawing on influences from Mexican son jarocho, jazz, and a striking vocal command, often accompanied by a four-string Venezuelan cuatro. She has released three albums, including two with collaboration from musician Charlie Hunter. Estrada shared the 2022 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Angela Alvarez at the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
Fat Dog – The South London chaotic rabble delivers an exhilarating blend of frenzied electro-punk, rock’n’roll snarling, techno soundscapes, and rave euphoria, best experienced in their legendary, wild live shows. Soon enough after forming under COVID-19 lockdowns, they became famous for their boisterous live performances. Fat Dog’s music has been described as containing elements of dance, punk and klezmer.
Colt – This Belgian duo creates intense, intimate, and incandescent pop music at the crossroads of electro-pop and French chanson. Their creativity and energy have made them one of the most promising bands on the French pop scene. Formerly known as Coline & Toitoine, their story is rooted in friendship. A harmonious fusion in which Coline’s voice and raw emotion blend with Toitoine’s singular, bewitching, almost lunar universe.
What to Do in Iceland Around Airwaves
Staying up late and raving to your favourite Airwaves artists can be exhausting. Luckily, you have the whole day to relax and rejuvenate before venturing out again in the evening. We have compiled a list of some of the best and most relaxing things to do around Reykjavík to make sure you don’t need another vacation after Airwaves!
Chill out in the pool
There is nothing better than soaking in the hot tub after a long night out. If you’re on a budget, a local pool like Vesturbæjarlaug or Laugardalslaug is a good fit. If you’re brave, a plunge in the cold tub will take away any hangover and back pains within seconds! Another great and more luxurious option is the Sky Lagoon.
Head on a little refreshing hike
You don’t even need to head out of Reykjavík too far before immersing yourself in the most beautiful Icelandic landscapes. As winter storms are not uncommon in November, we highly recommend checking out the weather forecast before your adventure begins. A popular hike is the path in Reykjadalur, right on the mountain ridge in Hveragerði. After a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, you hike for about two hours before you reach the hot river. Don’t forget your bathing suit and soak with the elves. As always in Iceland, good boots, a wind- and waterproof jacket, and warm layers are a must.
Hang out with cats and coffee
A late night always calls for some delicious coffee… and cats. Head to the Cat Café (Kattakaffihúsið) and indulge in some tasty pastries, while relaxing with a furball on your lap.
No matter how grumpy and tired you might be, you will walk out a changed human. The cats are all rescues looking for new homes!
Explore the streets of Reykjavík by daylight
Take a stroll downtown and wander around the old part of the city, where the typically colourful Icelandic houses can be seen. Check out the main shopping streets, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Visit Hallgrímskirkja church (you can go up the tower for a great view), stroll along the pond Tjörnin, and have a chat with the ducks and swans. If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are bus tours available and a free walking tour as well.
Grab some delicious food in one of Reykjavík’s many food halls
Your food options are endless. In the last few years, a seemingly infinite number of food halls suddenly popped up out of nowhere. The food halls in Grandi, Hlemmur, Pósthús, Hafnartorg Gallery and Borg29 are the closest options within walking distance of the downtown area and they all offer a solid variety of food options. This is a perfect way to fuel up before the next gig!
Don’t hesitate to visit us at Laugavegur 5 or Laugavegur 54, or email us at [email protected] for further information.
