Iceland’s biggest food event is back. From 17–19 July 2026, more than 40 food trucks and street-food stalls take over Hljómskálagarður park in central Reykjavík for three days of food, live music and the contest to crown the Best Street Food in Iceland. Entry is free.
Quick Facts
- When: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 2026
- Where: Hljómskálagarðurinn, by Tjörnin pond, central Reykjavík
- Admission: Free — all ages welcome
- Vendors: 40+ food trucks and stalls, plus a beer truck and wine bar
- Payment: Card payments taken on-site at each vendor
- Also on: Best Street Food in Iceland contest + People’s Choice vote (part of the European Street Food Awards)
What is the Icelandic Street Food Festival?
The Icelandic Street Food Festival is a three-day celebration of international street food, local chefs, and food truck culture. Every summer, vendors from across Iceland gather in central Reykjavík to showcase everything from gourmet burgers to authentic international cuisine.
Alongside the food, visitors can enjoy:
- Live DJs throughout the weekend
- Circus performances
- Children’s entertainment
- Family-friendly activities
- A festive atmosphere in one of Reykjavík’s most scenic parks
Because entry is completely free, many locals stop by multiple times throughout the weekend.
Opening hours
- Friday 17 July — 17:00–20:00 (soft opening)
- Saturday 18 July — 12:00–20:00
- Sunday 19 July — 12:00–18:00
Saturday is the main day, with the full food line-up plus music and entertainment running all afternoon and evening.
Food and drink
This is the reason to come. The 40+ vendors serve a genuinely global spread — a taste of what’s usually on offer:
- Burgers & grills: smash burgers, Korean-style burgers, BBQ low-and-slow
- Global street food: Mexican tacos and burritos, Colombian arepas and empanadas, Indian, Greek souvlaki, Turkish kebab, Hungarian lángos
- Fish: fresh fish & chips, fish tacos
- Pizza: Napoletana and wood-style pies
- Icelandic: hot dogs and game (villibráð)
- Sweet: churros, Belgian and bubble waffles, chimney cakes, donuts and Icelandic gelato
To wash it down, there’s a beer truck, and a wine bar on site. The full vendor list is published on the festival’s official website closer to the dates.
Entertainment
The festival is more than food. Saturday is the busiest day, and the day’s programme is built around live music and family entertainment:
- From 12:00 — all trucks and stalls open
- Mid-afternoon — a set from Sirkus Íslands (Circus Iceland)
- Afternoon into evening — live DJ sets keeping the park going
- Evening — the day winds down with a traditional Icelandic brekkusöngur (hillside sing-along)
For younger visitors there are bouncy castles and kids’ activities throughout, making it an easy afternoon out for families.
European Street Food Awards Iceland
One of the festival’s highlights is Iceland’s qualifying competition for the European Street Food Awards.
Running across the weekend is Iceland’s qualifying round for the Iceland’s Best Street Food. A panel of judges picks the Best Street Food in Iceland, and visitors also get to vote in the People’s Choice Award, making this one of the few food festivals where your opinion helps crown a winner. The national winner goes on to represent Iceland at the European final later in the year.
Where is the Icelandic Street Food Festival?
Hljómskálagarður sits at the southern end of Tjörnin, the pond in the middle of Reykjavík — a short, flat walk from the city centre, Hallgrímskirkja and most downtown hotels. There’s very limited parking nearby, so walking is easiest if you’re staying in town.
Food from Around the World
The festival features an impressive variety of cuisines. In 2026, visitors can expect everything from classic Icelandic comfort food to international favourites.
Some of the featured vendors include:
Icelandic
- Vikinga Pylsur
- Silli Kokkur (wild game)
Burgers & BBQ
- 2Guys
- Plan B Burger
- Siggi Chef “Burger Jesus”
- Tasty
- The Gastro Truck
- The Wingman
Mexican & Latin American
- La Buena Vida
- The Food Truck
- Mijita (Columbian)
European
- Flatey Pizza
- Pizza Truck
- Souvlaki Greek Taste
- Turkish Kebab
- Lángos Vagninn
- So Good & Tasty!
- Arctic Pies
Asian
- KOMO (Korean burgers & tacos)
- Funky Bhangra
- Indian Food Box
Fish/seafood
- Codfather
- Fish & Chips Vagninn
Kebab
- Kebabco
Desserts
- Churros Wagon
- Garibe Churros
- Don’s Donuts
- Vlaha Chimney Cakes
- Vöffluvagninn
- MJÖLL Ice Cream
- Ísgerð Hafnarfjarðar
- Girnó
- Rolling Bites
No matter your dietary preferences, there’s usually something to suit everyone, including vegetarian-friendly options at several vendors.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive hungry—you’ll want to sample food from multiple vendors.
- Bring a payment card, as most vendors accept cashless payments.
- Visit around lunchtime if you want the widest food selection before evening queues.
- If you’re travelling with children, Saturday offers the largest entertainment programme.
- Reykjavík weather can change quickly, so bringing a light waterproof jacket is always a good idea.
Making the most of your foodie weekend
If you’re in Reykjavík for the festival, there are so many other activities you could do to fill in your days and maximize your experience — you could take a whale-watching tour right in the same area, or hop down to Grandi for the Lava Show, or go for a short day trip out of the city. The possibilities are endless and if you need advice, write to us at What’s On or stop by to see us on Laugavegur!
Icelandic Street Food Festival FAQ
Is the Icelandic Street Food Festival free?
Yes. Admission to the Icelandic Street Food Festival is completely free. You only pay for the food and drinks you choose to purchase.
When is the Icelandic Street Food Festival?
The festival takes place from July 17–19, 2026 in Hljómskálagarðurinn, central Reykjavík.
Where is the Icelandic Street Food Festival held?
The festival is held in Hljómskálagarðurinn, a park next to Tjörnin (The Pond) in downtown Reykjavík. It’s within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions.
What kind of food can I expect?
More than 40 vendors serve food from around the world, including Icelandic cuisine, burgers, tacos, Korean food, Indian dishes, Greek souvlaki, pizza, fish and chips, churros, waffles, ice cream, and much more.
Can I vote for my favourite vendor?
Yes. Visitors can vote in the People’s Choice Award, while a panel of judges selects Iceland’s representative for the European Street Food Awards.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Absolutely. The festival is designed for all ages and includes children’s entertainment, inflatable play areas, circus performances, music, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes. Many vendors offer vegetarian dishes, and several also have vegan options. Availability varies from year to year.
Can I buy alcohol at the festival?
Yes. The festival typically features a beer truck and a wine bar for adult visitors.
What is the European Street Food Awards?
The European Street Food Awards is an annual international competition celebrating the best street food vendors across Europe. The winner of the Icelandic qualifying event earns the opportunity to represent Iceland in the European finals.
What is the best day to visit?
Saturday offers the fullest programme of entertainment, competitions, and live music, making it the busiest day. Friday evening is generally quieter, while Sunday is a good choice if you prefer smaller crowds.
How many people attend the festival?
The festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors in 2025, making it Iceland’s largest food festival.
Do vendors accept credit cards?
Yes. Iceland is largely cashless, and nearly all vendors accept credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payments. Carrying cash is generally unnecessary.
Is the Icelandic Street Food Festival Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you’re in Reykjavík during mid-July, the Icelandic Street Food Festival is one of the city’s most enjoyable summer events. Free entry, dozens of food trucks, international cuisine, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere make it a fantastic experience for families, couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking to sample Iceland’s growing street food scene.
Whether you’re searching for Icelandic specialties or flavours from around the world, it’s one of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to experience Reykjavík’s vibrant food culture
