The COVID-19 vaccination programme is going very well in Iceland and more and more fun events are back on the calendar for 2021! Let us tell you about seven events that are happening this summer in Reykjavík.
Reykjavik Fringe, July 3-11
The Fringe Festival is a celebration of all art forms, with local and international artists performing all over Reykjavík. Taking place from July 3 until July 11, the Reykjavík Fringe Festival hosts 100 shows in more than 15 venues in the downtown area. Shows include dance, spoken word, stand-up comedy, improv, burlesque, children’s shows, poetry readings, storytelling, and many more. To see the latest programme, visit Reykjavík Fringe Festival’s website.
Ingólfshátið Viking Festival, July 9-11
Every summer, Reykjavík is the scene of vicious battles, music, and storytelling at the Viking Festival. Held at the Hljómskálagarðurinn park next to Sóleyjargata street from July 9-11, the festival is a tribute to Vikings and their way of life. Take a look at Viking outfits and equipment, and get a glimpse of days long gone. Entrance is free of charge.
Innipúkinn, July 30-August 1
Innipúkinn (the Icelandic word for couch potato) is a three-day, annual music festival held in Reykjavik during the first weekend of August, which is also known as Merchant’s Weekend. Innipúkinn is organised for people who don’t want to leave the city during Iceland’s biggest travelling weekend. This year’s line-up includes Reykjavíkurdætur, Emmsjé Gauti, GDRN, Une Misére, Bríet, and Mammút.
Reykjavík Pride, August 3-8
Reykjavik Pride is all about celebrating love and diversity while fighting for equality and human rights. Iceland’s first Pride Parade in 1994 consisted of a handful of people, but the event has since grown into a week-long festival culminating in a procession that takes over Reykjavík’s city centre. The programme for Reykjavík Pride 2021 will be launched at the end of June on their website.
Viking Festival, August 12-15
The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður is the largest and oldest event of its kind in Iceland. Rimmugýgur, a Viking reenactment group from Hafnarfjörður, has been organising the festival since 1995. A market is held where you can buy Viking crafts, cuisine, and goods. The festival programme is packed, with archery, Viking games, battle demonstrations, live music, storytelling, a Viking school for children, and lots more! Entrance to the festival is free of charge.
Reykjavík Culture Night, August 21
Culture Night celebrates the city’s culture with different events and happenings. Culture Night has grown from a small festival celebrating the city’s wealth of artists and cultural events to one of the biggest events in the Reykjavík social calendar. The festival’s schedule is always bursting with new and exciting events, concerts and shows, but some aspects of the festival have been there for years, like free waffles, concerts, and a rad fireworks display.
Reykjavík Jazz Festival, August 28-September 4
The annual Reykjavik Jazz Festival hosts concerts in a variety of styles from contemporary jazz and the avant-garde to Latin jazz, gospel, and big bands. Leading international as well as Icelandic jazz musicians perform at different stages around town. This year’s programme includes 2020 Grammy nominee Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, Charlie Christian tribute band, Norwegian/Icelandic quartet ASTRA, Kadi Vija Key Project, and Family Band. For further information on the Reykjavik Jazz festival 2021, check out their website.
The government of Iceland, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and The Directorate of Health are constantly monitoring the COVID-19 status in Iceland and are implementing regulations and restrictions in response to its development. Visit www.covid.is for the most up-to-date information.
Visit our tour information centres for more tips and info!
