Iceland, a land of unparalleled natural beauty, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and lively traditions. Throughout the year, the country hosts a diverse array of festivals and events that celebrate its unique culture, offering visitors an unforgettable opportunity to experience the spirit of Iceland firsthand. From lively music festivals to traditional feasts and international film events, these celebrations showcase the Icelandic people’s creativity, talent, and warm-heartedness.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the most popular and captivating festivals and events in Iceland each year. No matter the season, you’ll find a celebration that appeals to your interests, whether you’re a music enthusiast, a food lover, or a film aficionado. These gatherings provide a glimpse into the heart of Icelandic culture, allowing you to connect with the locals, make lasting memories, and deepen your understanding of this extraordinary country.
Join us as we explore the year-round celebrations of Iceland’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Winter Wonders: Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival and Thorrablot Feast
Iceland’s winter season is marked by a unique blend of darkness and dazzling light, providing the perfect backdrop for two of the country’s most captivating festivals: the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival and the Thorrablot Feast. These distinct events offer visitors an immersive experience of Iceland’s cultural richness, showcasing the nation’s creativity, resilience, and warm-hearted spirit, even in the coldest months of the year.
Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival
The Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival is an annual event in February that celebrates the return of longer daylight hours after the darkness of the winter months. The festival transforms Iceland’s capital city into a canvas of light and color with a series of spectacular light installations, projections, and interactive artworks that illuminate the city’s streets, buildings, and public spaces.
During the festival, locals and visitors alike gather to participate in a range of activities, including art exhibitions, live music performances, and workshops. One of the highlights of the event is the “Museum Night,” during which the city’s museums and galleries open their doors for free, offering special exhibitions, guided tours, and other activities well into the night. Another popular feature is the “Pool Night,” where several of Reykjavik’s geothermal swimming pools host themed events, complete with music, games, and unique lighting installations.
Thorrablot Feast
Thorrablot is an ancient Icelandic midwinter festival that has been revived in modern times as a celebration of the country’s culinary heritage and Viking roots. Held in January or February during the old Icelandic month of Thorri, Thorrablot is marked by a traditional feast featuring a spread of unique and sometimes challenging Icelandic dishes.
The Thorrablot menu often includes delicacies such as fermented shark (hákarl), boiled sheep’s head (svið), pickled ram’s testicles (hrútspungar), and dried fish (hardfiskur), accompanied by a shot of the local spirit, Brennivin, also known as “Black Death.” These dishes, rooted in the island’s harsh climate and scarcity of resources, serve as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Iceland’s early inhabitants.
While the Thorrablot feast may not be for the faint-hearted, it offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and culture of Iceland, as well as the chance to bond with locals over a shared culinary adventure. Many communities and restaurants throughout the country host their own Thorrablot celebrations, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms.
Together, the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival and Thorrablot Feast showcase the diverse and vibrant spirit of Iceland during the winter months, offering unforgettable experiences that embrace the nation’s unique heritage, creativity, and sense of community.
Springtime Spectacles: Aldrei fór ég suður Music Festival and DesignMarch
As the snow and ice begin to recede, Iceland welcomes the arrival of spring with an array of lively festivals that celebrate the nation’s creativity and artistic talent. Two standout events that capture the essence of Icelandic spring are the Aldrei fór ég suður Music Festival and DesignMarch, offering visitors a captivating showcase of the country’s thriving music and design scenes.
Aldrei fór ég suður Music Festival
Held annually during the Easter weekend, Aldrei fór ég suður, which translates to “I never went south,” is a music festival that takes place in the remote Westfjords town of Ísafjörður. The event was founded in 2004 by two local musicians, Mugison and his father, with the aim of creating a platform for emerging Icelandic artists to share their music and connect with audiences.
The festival’s unique charm lies in its intimate atmosphere and egalitarian spirit, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians ranging from established acts to up-and-coming talents, spanning a wide array of genres including rock, pop, folk, electronic, and more. With its focus on inclusivity and community, Aldrei fór ég suður has become a beloved fixture on the Icelandic music calendar, drawing both locals and international visitors to experience the vibrant and eclectic sounds of Iceland’s flourishing music scene.
DesignMarch
DesignMarch is Iceland’s most significant annual design event, taking place in Reykjavik each spring. Established in 2009, the festival aims to celebrate and promote Icelandic design in all its forms, from architecture and fashion to furniture, graphic design, and product design.
The multi-day event features a diverse program of exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, bringing together designers, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts from around the world. DesignMarch showcases the innovative and original work of both established and emerging Icelandic designers, highlighting the nation’s unique design aesthetic that often draws inspiration from its extraordinary natural environment.
With its focus on sustainability, creativity, and local craftsmanship, DesignMarch presents an engaging and immersive opportunity for visitors to explore the world of Icelandic design, while also providing a platform for local designers to share their work with a global audience.
Summer Festivities: Secret Solstice Music Festival and the Great Fish Day
The long days and midnight sun of the Icelandic summer create an idyllic atmosphere for festivals and celebrations. Two notable events that capture the essence of summertime in Iceland are the Secret Solstice Music Festival and the Great Fish Day, each offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country’s culture, natural beauty, and vibrant energy.
Secret Solstice Music Festival
Secret Solstice is an annual music festival held in Reykjavik during the summer solstice weekend, typically in June. The event takes advantage of the nearly 24-hour daylight to create an unforgettable experience, as festival-goers enjoy a diverse lineup of international and Icelandic musicians under the glow of the midnight sun.
The festival features a mix of genres, ranging from electronic dance music, hip-hop, and indie rock to reggae, folk, and more. In addition to the main stages, Secret Solstice also offers a series of unique side events, such as performances inside a glacier or lava tunnel, and even a geothermal pool party. These one-of-a-kind experiences make the festival a truly unforgettable celebration of music, nature, and the enchanting spirit of the Icelandic summer.
The Great Fish Day
The Great Fish Day, or “Fiskidagurinn mikli,” is an annual seafood festival held in the picturesque fishing town of Dalvík, located in North Iceland. The event takes place on the second Saturday of August and celebrates Iceland’s rich fishing heritage and the abundance of fresh seafood found in the surrounding waters.
During the festival, the town’s harbor is transformed into a bustling marketplace, where local fishermen and seafood producers offer a wide variety of fresh, delicious, and sustainably sourced fish dishes for visitors to sample. In addition to the mouthwatering seafood, the event also features live music, art exhibitions, and various family-friendly activities, creating a lively atmosphere that highlights the importance of fishing to the Icelandic way of life.
The Great Fish Day provides a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the local community, learn about Iceland’s fishing traditions, and indulge in some of the freshest and most flavorful seafood available anywhere in the world.
Together, the Secret Solstice Music Festival and the Great Fish Day offer a vibrant and immersive experience of Iceland’s summer season, allowing visitors to explore the country’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and lively spirit during the enchanting days of the midnight sun.
Fall Favorites: Reykjavik International Film Festival and Iceland Airwaves
As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across the Icelandic landscape, the country celebrates the season with an array of culturally enriching festivals that showcase its thriving arts scene. Two standout events that capture the essence of fall in Iceland are the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) and Iceland Airwaves, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the nation’s film and music industries.
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF)
Held annually in late September and early October, the Reykjavik International Film Festival is a prestigious event that promotes and celebrates the work of both established and emerging filmmakers from around the world. Over the course of 11 days, RIFF screens a diverse selection of films, encompassing feature films, documentaries, and short films from more than 40 countries.
The festival’s program is designed to showcase the latest trends and developments in global cinema, while also highlighting the work of up-and-coming Icelandic filmmakers. In addition to film screenings, RIFF offers a range of masterclasses, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry professionals, providing an engaging platform for film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers to learn and connect.
Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves is an annual music festival that takes place in Reykjavik each November, showcasing a diverse lineup of both international and Icelandic musicians across various genres, including rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, and more. Since its inception in 1999, the festival has gained a reputation for being a launching pad for emerging artists and a must-attend event for music lovers seeking to discover the next big thing.
Held in various venues throughout Reykjavik, Iceland Airwaves transforms the city into a vibrant and buzzing hub of live music, as festival-goers hop from one show to another, experiencing intimate performances in unique settings, such as art galleries, churches, and even thermal pools. The festival also offers a platform for local musicians to share their talent and creativity with a global audience, highlighting the dynamic and innovative spirit of the Icelandic music scene.
Visit a Festival on Your Iceland Vacation
As the seasons change and the Icelandic landscape transforms, the country’s vibrant festivals and events provide visitors with unforgettable experiences that celebrate its unique culture and traditions. From the enchanting winter lights and traditional feasts to the lively music festivals and engaging film events, there is always something captivating happening in Iceland.
By including one or more of these festivals in your itinerary, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for the Icelandic way of life but also create lasting memories that will make your trip truly extraordinary. Our tour planners are eager to help you design the perfect Icelandic adventure that incorporates these remarkable events, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for your vacation.
