So you're in Reykjavik and looking for some good old festival fun. While you’re in town, we suggest that you supplement your festival-going with some of Reykjavik Excursions’ most popular tours and activities.

Don’t miss these Reykjavik festivals

Dark Music Days

Of the music festivals in Reykjavik, this is one of the oldest. This late January festival was established in 1980 by the Society of Icelandic Composers, making it one of the longest-running celebrations in the Icelandic capital. Championing contemporary music, it aims to inspire, innovate and entertain with new and experimental pieces that illustrate how varied the genre can be. Creative types can embrace the opportunity to get a glimpse into the Icelandic contemporary music industry as contributions become ever more adventurous. Harpa Concert Hall, whose unique architecture is as bold as the performances it hosts, serves as the main venue for Dark Music Days. From solo artists to ensemble acts, you’re sure to find something that lifts your spirits and speaks to your soul.

The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik

At northerly latitudes, people embrace the dark. It’s a way of life in places where the seasons display such marked differences. When winter comes, it necessitates a change of rhythm as those who live in such places adapt to the short days and long nights. But after the fun of Advent and once the Þorrablót feast is past, it’s good to have something to tide us over until spring. The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik is the perfect event to brighten up those dark nights. In 2026, it takes place between February 5th and 8th. Follow the Light Trail from Hallgrímskirkja to Austurvöllur via Skólavörðustígur to view a series of unique, illuminated art installations that are sure to brighten any night. On Museum Night (hosted on the Friday), museums will throw open their doors and invite everyone to join them between 6pm and 11pm for some extra-special activities, free of charge. It’s a chance to celebrate every aspect of Reykjavik’s cultural heritage alongside artefacts, exhibits and collectibles that hold significant meaning for the local population.
Even going to the pool, something that many Icelanders would tell you is just part of their regular routine, is given a glow-up. On Pool Night, Laugardalslaug pool is transformed with circus performers and live DJs making this a Saturday night out to remember. In 2025, for the first time, Nauthólsvík geothermal beach also hosted activities and welcomed guests.

Beer Day

Beer festivals are so commonplace across the world that it’s hard to imagine this drink could once have been illegal in Iceland. Following a referendum, in 1915 prohibition kicked in; bizarrely, though the ban on wines and spirits were lifted, legal consumption of beer wasn’t possible until 1989. March 1st is Beer Day in Iceland, a chance to enjoy this alcoholic beverage in a cultural context. Savour seasonal brews from microbreweries and artisan ales that turn beer-making into an art form. It’s also the ideal time to sign up for the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour, working your way through a selection of craft beers as you learn about the history of beer in Iceland.

Food and Fun Festival

Reykjavik food festivals don’t get any better than this: also in March, the capital hosts the Food and Fun Festival. Chefs collaborate with many of Reykjavik’s top restaurants to create special dishes that celebrate Icelandic ingredients, competing to produce the best menu. If you’re a committed foodie, this is a must as you’ll be treated to the ultimate transformation of Icelandic ingredients. You see, that’s because there’s a twist that makes this five-day event even more exciting: the chefs involved come from both sides of the Atlantic, converging in Reykjavik to bring global flavours to the usual offerings. Fusion cuisine is nothing new, but the way this innovative festival showcases its key attributes is next level.
If you can’t be in Reykjavik for a food festival, or are looking for an activity to fill an afternoon, then our Reykjavik Food Walk operates year-round. Participants enjoy sampling dishes at a selection of restaurants from local hangouts to tucked away family businesses. It’s a great way to experience dining off the beaten track and get acquainted with the capital’s buoyant food scene.

Reykjavik International Literary Festival

Iceland’s big on reading, as demonstrated by the December tradition of the Jólabókaflóð – you might discuss it on our Christmas walk. So it’s entirely fitting that there’s a literary festival in the capital. This event is held every two years at a range of venues within Reykjavik; the last one took place in April 2025 and the next is eagerly anticipated. Over the previous two decades, the festival has hosted novelists and non-fiction authors, philosophers and poets, historians and politicians, even cartoonists. Every genre is represented. Cementing its intent as a festival aimed at an international as well as Icelandic audience, the programme is largely in English.

Fishermen’s Day

Iceland relies a lot on the sea and fishing is a long-standing industry on which many still depend for their livelihoods. This connection to the ocean is celebrated with Fishermen’s Day, which takes place in June each year. On this special Sunday, events in Reykjavik centre on the Old Harbour. You might hear sea shanties being sung, learn about traditions, seamanship and vessels, try your hand at sailing and even hear tales of mythical creatures like mermaids. Perhaps this is also the ideal time to take a whale watching tour for a chance to spot humpbacks, minke whales and dolphins in the waters of Faxafloi Bay?

Reykjavik Pride

Pride is one of the most inclusive festivals on the Reykjavik events calendar and adds a splash of colour to the capital’s streets each August. Whether you’re a member of the LBGTQ+ community or simply wish to show your solidarity, this lively festival is great fun for participants and spectators alike and an irresistible chance to let your hair down and have some fun. Reykjavik Pride has grown massively since its inception in 1999 and now regularly draws a crowd of 100,000 people, making it the biggest annual event not just in Reykjavik but also in Iceland as a whole. Although the parade is the undisputed highlight, there are a significant number of other activities from gigs to crafting and everything in between.

Reykjavik International Film Festival

The Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF for short) attracts film buffs and movie goers from across the world. The event takes place across ten days spanning September and October. To get the most out of the festival, buy your pass well in advance, though note that it is non-refundable if your plans change. The programme is varied, including feature length productions, shorts and documentaries that represent Icelandic and international filmmaking. Most showings take place at the University Theatre and Nordic House. New talent is celebrated and young filmmakers are invited to join in and network through the workshops at Talent Lab.

Iceland Airwaves

Reykjavik hosts a number of music festivals across the year but this one is probably the most famous. It’s why some will argue that November is the best time to visit Reykjavik for festivals. The event spans multiple venues across the Icelandic capital and the performances are supplemented with a conference too, where anything from music rights to the future of the industry are up for discussion. As you pay for a festival pass, you can dip into as many or as few gigs as you like. There’s the option of paying for a single day or the entire three days; ticket prices are cheaper the earlier you buy. Packages with airfares are also available, while VIP upgrades give festival-goers priority access to venues as well as discounts in participating bars and restaurants.

Practical tips for visitors planning to attend a festival in Reykjavik

Plan early

While some festivals are small scale, others attract sizeable numbers of people. In summer when visitor numbers are relatively high in any case, it pays to lock your plans down early. Reserve your accommodation well in advance, especially if you are on a tight budget or have a particular property in mind. If you do end up staying somewhere that’s not within easy walking distance from the city centre, make sure you research public transport options too.

Don’t leave it too late to buy tickets

While you can buy tickets for some events on the day, many are sold out in advance. If what you’re keen to see is a likely to be in high demand, be sure to purchase your ticket up front to avoid being disappointed. Many festivals have dedicated websites and apps to help you schedule your own programme from the options available, making it easy to read up about what to expect well before you touchdown at Keflavik Airport.

Be prepared for Icelandic weather

Even in summer, Iceland’s weather can be highly unpredictable. For outdoor Reykjavik festivals, it pays to be prepared for all kinds of conditions. Pack a waterproof jacket and footwear that can handle mud and will keep out the worst of the wet if you step in a puddle. Go for layers that can be stored in a day pack if it’s warm and dry; don’t underestimate how a hat and gloves will help you feel more comfortable in chilly or windy weather.

Prioritise your personal safety

By global standards, Iceland’s a safe destination but incidents can happen anywhere. Think about how to prioritise your own safety, for instance when returning to your accommodation late at night. Be sure to keep a close eye on your personal possessions in crowds, just in case, and remain aware of your surroundings. If you plan to have a drink, stay sober enough that you remain in control.

Intersperse your festival events with tours and activities

It seems a pity to come to Iceland and not see some of the beautiful countryside surrounding Reykjavik, so slot your festival events around some of our most popular tours and activities. You’ll be able to understand some of the inspiration that’s driven musical creativity and see first-hand where some of the ingredients showcased in food festivals come from. We hope this article about Reykjavik festivals has given you plenty of food for thought and we’re sure that within such a diverse programme, you’ve managed to find a cultural event that’s in sync with your own way of life and interests. Our wide range of tours and activities provide the perfect complement to the Reykjavik cultural events that headline the capital’s social calendar, so we recommend you combine the two and get to know what makes Icelanders tick – and have fun in the process.