Annual events in Reykjavík

What’s on in Reykjavík each year?

Winter Lights Festival – February
This festival aims to lift spirits and brighten the winter darkness with a collection of dazzling events. Light-art installations are exhibited throughout the city centre, illuminating some of the most prominent buildings and public spaces. www.winterlightsfestival.is

Food and Fun – March 
At the Food and Fun festival, world-acclaimed chefs prepare special menus using only Icelandic ingredients. These menus are available to the public at participating restaurants during the festival, and diners may even get a chance to meet the chefs. www.foodandfun.is

DesignMarch – April 
DesignMarch celebrates progressive design and innovation. Guests can attend talks, workshops and exhibitions. Recent big names to attend and speak at the event include fashion mogul Calvin Klein and graphic designer Jonathan Barnbrook. www.designmarch.is.

Reykjavík Art Festival – June 
Established in 1970, Iceland’s premier cultural festival showcases the best of local and international theatre, dance, visual art and music. The biennial festival also hosts distinguished artists and performers from around the world, with programmes to suit all ages and interests. www.listahatid.is

Iceland National Day – 17 June 
Commemorating Iceland’s independence from Denmark on 17 June 1944, National Day is one of Iceland’s most popular events of the summer. The festivities include a colourful parade, street performances, games and open-air music concerts lasting late into the evening. www.17juni.is

Innipúkinn Festival – August
Innipúkinn is a small annual music festival. Past performers have included Cat Power, Blonde Redhead and FM Belfast. Along with performances, this event also features a music market, pub quiz and BBQ. www.facebook.com/Innipukinnfestival

Reykjavík Pride – August 
This colourful festival draws tens of thousands of people into Reykjavík every year. It showcases solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrates Iceland’s progressive position on human rights. By far the main attraction is the energetic, family-friendly parade through the city centre, complete with lots of rainbows and glitter. www.hinsegindagar.is

Reykjavík Marathon – August
This annual event attracts over 10,000 participants globally. There’s “fun runs” for children and adults, a 10 km race, a half marathon, a team relay and the marathon itself. Runners also gain free admittance to all of Reykjavík’s thermal baths and swimming pools after their race. www.marathon.is

Reykjavík Culture Night – August
Culture Night is a celebration of Iceland’s diverse cultural scene. Events include outdoor concerts, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions, street performances and an impressive fireworks show by the harbour. The city’s museums also stay open late for the occasion. If you want to celebrate like a true Reykjavík local, look for the signs that say “vöfflur” and enjoy a free waffle and coffee at local residents’ homes! www.menningarnott.is

• Like what you've seen of Reykjavík summer events? Look at these summer tours in Iceland to join in

Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) – September/October
Attracting over 25,000 guests each year, RIFF features film workshops, director talks and discussion panels. A number of venues in downtown Reykjavík also showcase documentaries, full-length features, shorts, animations and other notable films from Iceland and abroad during the festival. www.riff.is

Iceland Airwaves Music Festival – November 
Iceland Airwaves attracts some of the hottest new bands from the USA, Europe and Iceland to play across Reykjavík. Called the “hippest long weekend on the annual music festival calendar” by Rolling Stone magazine, the festival draws thousands of international visitors every year. www.icelandairwaves.is

New Year’s Eve – 31 December 
Icelanders are known for going all out on this holiday! Shops are generally open until 1 PM while most bars, clubs and music venues are open to the crowds of merrymakers late into the night. The evening’s celebrations include huge neighbourhood bonfires, champagne and sparklers, and an unbelievable firework display set off to welcome the New Year. Afterwards, the party continues into the small hours of the morning. To make the most of this holiday, see our Iceland New Year’s tour packages.

• Like what you've seen of Reykjavík winter events? Look at these winter tours in Iceland to join in

For more details about what's on in the Icelandic capital, please visit Visit Reykjavik.