Annual Events
Reykjavík is already famous for its vibrant culture and nightlife, but certain occasions are particularly special.
The city of Reykjavík and its neighbouring towns host numerous festivals throughout the year, including Culture Night in August, the Winter Lights festival in February and the Festival of the Sea in June.
Click on the bars to the left to see what's on during each month of the year.
For a more detailed events calendar, and a list of upcoming events, click here.
January
New Year’s Eve
New Year's Eve in Iceland is one spectacular celebration. Celebrations start with a dinner, followed by going to bonfires where people sing traditional Icelandic folk songs accompanied by trolls, elves and other beings. At midnight all hell breaks loose with a spectacular display of fireworks as well as bonfire parties in many communities. This is an amazing moment for those who spend this special evening in the capital Reykjavik, something to remember for the rest of their lives. But this is only a start of the night. Parties, club outings and fireworks make everyone happy to the early morning hours welcoming the new year the Icelandic way.
Þrettándinn - Twelfth Night January 6th
The last day of Yule, celebrated in latter years with bonfires and elfin dances. Many of the magical happenings associated with New Year's Eve are also supposed to occur on Þrettándinn.
Reykjavík International Games 14 th -16th of January 2011
The city of Reykjavík will for the fourth time welcome sports participants to a multisport competition in Laugardalur, the Valley of Sport, taking place the 3rd weekend in January 2011. It starts with a competition for beginners, following that competition we start the open competition in Standard and Latin on the 15th and in 8 and 10 dances on the 16th of January.
Fore last two years couples from Denmark and Sweden have participate. In 2011 we are expecting couples from more countries some ranked at the top places in their countries and even in the world and of course many couples from Iceland.
Athletes will compete at a high level in various sports in world class facilities. Opening and closing ceremonies among other things will keep the athletes happy and entertained and they will also have the opportunity to visit Reykjavík, The Capital of Iceland with all it's sights and sounds. If lucky you might also see the northern lights.
Dansfélag Reykjavíkur and Dansskóli Jón Pétur and Kara in cooperation with the Sport union of Reykjavík welcomes you to Iceland. www.dansskoli.is
Thorrinn January 21st - February 19th 2011
Every winter at the end of January, Icelanders celebrate the old feast of Thorrablot. This is a very lively and joyful festivity with lot of singing, dancing, and of course the consumption of traditional Viking food: smoked lamb, singed sheep heads (for most the eye is the best part), stockfish, rye bread steamed in the hot ground, delicious "skyr" (Icelandic yoghurt made with rennet), and topped off with "brennivin" (Icelandic spirit).
Dark Music Days January 27th - 30th 2011
The annual new music festival Dark Music Days is becoming an increasingly popular music event. Last year the event attracted around 3000 people, and more are expected this year. The festival is held by the Iceland Composer Society in collaboration with most of the best performers in the country. www.listir.is