20 Icelandic music festivals
- Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavik, Iceland (various venues throughout Reykjavik)
- Secret Solstice – Reykjavik, Iceland (Laugardalur Valley, Reykjavik)
- Reykjavik Folk Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland (Iðnó, Vonarstræti 3, Reykjavik)
- Bræðslan Music Festival – Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland (Eglisstaðir, Borgarfjörður Eystri)
- Eistnaflug Music Festival – Neskaupstaður, Iceland (Neskaupstaður)
- Aldrei fór ég suður Music Festival – Ísafjörður, Iceland (Ísafjörður)
- LungA Art Festival – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland (Seyðisfjörður)
- Innipúkinn Music Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland (Húrra, Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavik)
- Sónar Reykjavik – Reykjavik, Iceland (Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik)
- Extreme Chill Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland (Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik)
- Iceland Airwaves off-venue – Reykjavik, Iceland (various venues throughout Reykjavik)
- Norðanpaunk Music Festival – Húsavík, Iceland (Húsavík)
- Músíktilraunir (Battle of the Bands) – Reykjavik, Iceland (Grand Rokk, Reykjavik)
- Reykjavik Jazz Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland (Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik)
- Iceland Symphony Orchestra’s Dark Music Days – Reykjavik, Iceland (Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik)
- Lava Festival – Reykjanesbær, Iceland (Keflavik, Reykjanesbær)
- Reykjavik Blues Festival – Reykjavik, Iceland (Gamla Bíó, Ingólfsstræti 2a, Reykjavik)
- Mjólkurbúðin Music Festival – Djúpavík, Iceland (Djúpavík)
- Reykjavik Midsummer Music – Reykjavik, Iceland (various venues throughout Reykjavik)
- Skálholt Summer Concerts – Skálholt, Iceland (Skálholt Cathedral, Skálholt)
These festivals offer a diverse range of music and take place in a variety of venues throughout Iceland, from concert halls and theatres to outdoor stages and smaller, more intimate venues. Each festival offers a unique experience, with its own atmosphere and character, and many of them also incorporate other cultural events and activities, such as art exhibitions and film screenings.
Iceland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, unique culture, and music scene. The country hosts several music festivals throughout the year, each with its own theme and type of music. Icelandic music festivals showcase a unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, often reflecting the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Iceland has a long history of storytelling and music-making, with its isolation and harsh climate allowing for a distinct and isolated musical tradition to develop. Today, Icelandic music festivals offer a wide variety of genres and styles, from classical and folk to electronic and experimental.
One of the most popular music festivals in Iceland is the Iceland Airwaves Festival, which takes place in Reykjavik every year in November. Iceland Airwaves is perhaps the most well-known music festival in Iceland, attracting visitors from all over the world. The festival features a diverse lineup of local and international artists, with a focus on indie, alternative, and electronic music. The festival’s aim is to showcase the best of Icelandic music to the world while also promoting the country’s unique cultural heritage. Iceland Airwaves has helped put Icelandic music on the map, and the festival continues to draw music lovers from all over the world. Iceland Airways has been running since 1999 and has hosted a variety of big-name acts including Bjork, Mumford & Sons and the Flaming Lips.
Another popular Icelandic music festival is the Reykjavik Folk Festival, which celebrates traditional Icelandic music and culture. The festival features a range of folk musicians, including traditional singers, fiddlers, and storytellers, as well as modern interpreters of traditional music. The festival takes place in Reykjavik each February and is a celebration of Icelandic heritage and identity.
The Secret Solstice festival is another popular event, taking place in Reykjavik each June during the summer solstice. The festival features a diverse lineup of international and Icelandic musicians, with a focus on electronic and dance music. The festival’s unique setting, amidst the stunning natural scenery of Iceland, adds to the magical atmosphere of the event.
Reykjavik Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music that takes place every September in Reykjavik. The festival features a lineup of local and international jazz musicians, showcasing a variety of styles and genres. The festival also includes educational events, such as workshops and lectures, aimed at promoting jazz music and culture in Iceland.
The Eistnaflug festival takes place in Neskaupstaður, in the east of Iceland, every July. The festival focuses on heavy metal and rock music and is known for its high-energy performances and lively atmosphere. The festival has become a popular event for both Icelandic and international fans of metal music, and its remote location only adds to the sense of adventure and excitement.
Another festival that celebrates Iceland’s unique musical heritage is the Folk Music Festival in Siglufjörður. The festival takes place in a small fishing village in the north of Iceland and celebrates the traditional music and culture of the area. The festival features a lineup of local and international folk musicians, showcasing a variety of styles and genres.
The LungA festival, held in the town of Seyðisfjörður in the east of Iceland, is a celebration of art and music. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists and musicians, with a focus on promoting creativity and artistic expression. The festival also includes workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, making it a unique and engaging cultural experience.
Finally, the Dark Music Days festival takes place in Reykjavik each January and showcases contemporary classical and experimental music. The festival features a range of performances, including concerts, installations, and multimedia shows, highlighting the cutting-edge and innovative side of Icelandic music.
In summary, Icelandic music festivals showcase a diverse range of musical genres and styles, with a focus on celebrating the country’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty. From traditional folk music to contemporary electronic and experimental music, Icelandic music festivals offer a unique and engaging cultural experience for music lovers from all over the world.
