Top 20 Festivals in Iceland

2. Reykjavik Fringe

The Reykjavik Fringe Festival takes place in midsummer and is a celebration of all art forms on the fringe. The festival is a collaboration with festivals of the same type in other Nordic countries and has been running since 2018.

Local and international artists perform all over the city, often with an unusual twist on the art form. Whether it's dance, stand-up comedy, burlesque, children's shows, or circus, the Reykjavik Fringe Festival has the most diverse schedule out of any festival in Iceland. 

1. Reykjavik International Film Fesitval (RIFF)

The Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) is one of Iceland's biggest and most diverse cultural events, taking place from late September into mid-October. The festival lasts for 11 days and shows a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from multiple countries.

Screenings are held in cinemas in Reykjavik, mainly in the arthouse cinema, Bio Paradis, in the center of Reykjavik. However, one of the selling points of the festival is the more offbeat venues, with screenings have taken place in interesting locales, such as swimming pools and even lava tunnels.

Top 5 Merchants Weekend Festivals

Merchants' Weekend, known as "Verslunarmannahelgi," is a bank holiday weekend and the most awaited holiday for many Icelandic people. Held during the first weekend of August, it commemorates the country's hardworking tradespeople with a long weekend of festivities. Across the nation, towns host a variety of festivals, many of which involve camping. Here are some of the best Merchant's Weekend Festivals

• See also: Camping in Iceland - all you need to know
• Find the perfect camping tour around Iceland

5. Ein Med ollu

Ein med ollu (“One with Everything” - the Icelandic phrase you say when you order a hot dog with all the trimmings) is a family-friendly gathering that brings to the table everything you'd expect from a Merchants' Weekend festival.

Taking place over three days, the schedule includes concerts, sports competitions, farmers' markets, and much more. As the festival is held in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of the north of Iceland, it is one of the most popular festivals of the weekend, drawing in people from all over the country. The area is very beautiful, and it's highly recommended to stay there for a bit longer in one of the many cozy hotels in Akureyri to fully take in the charms of the town.

4. Nordanpaunk

If you're looking for a different type of fun over the weekend, Nordanpaunk offers quite a rougher alternative. This punk festival, held by the small village of Laugarbakki, describes itself as a gathering for difficult people who listen to difficult music.

The festival has a strong focus on DIY, with everybody who attends contributing in some way. While the music might be a bit on the harder side (which contrasts nicely with the quaint surroundings of Laugarbakki), the festival prides itself on being welcoming, inclusive and safe.

3. Sildaraevintyrid

Sildaraevintyrid (The Herring Adventure) is a festival that takes place in Siglufjordur, a town located in the northern part of Iceland. The festival draws its name from a glory period in the 20th century when the village's herring industry boomed. This interesting period can be further explored at the Herring Era Museum, which is located in the village.

The festival is a family-friendly one with the goal of creating a venue for the inhabitants of Siglufjordur to come together and celebrate, as well as introducing visitors to everything that the charming town has to offer. You can expect everything from accordion music to a foam party and lots of delicious seafood. Make sure to book accommodation in Siglufjordur ahead of time if you're planning to enjoy the festivities.

2. Innipukinn

Although many Icelanders eagerly await the Merchants' Weekend to go road-tripping, others have no interest in such things and would much rather stay at home in the capital. Thus, Innipukinn (The Homebody) was born, a music festival specifically designed for people who don't want to go camping.

The festival takes place in Reykjavik and offers a wide variety of music in trendy venues within walking distance of each other. As many people will be out of town during the weekend, Innipukinn is generally the most happening thing in downtown Reykjavik at the time. If you're the type to close your curtains at the sight of a sunny day, this might be the festival for you.

1. Thjodhatid

Thjodhatid, held in the Westman Islands, is the biggest and most epic festival taking place over the Merchants' Weekend and is one of the largest cultural events in Iceland. The population of the islands quadruples during the duration of the festival, which is the most anticipated event of the year for many regular attendees. 

The festival was originally held in 1874 when the inhabitants of the Westman Islands could not, due to poor weather conditions, partake in the celebration of the millennium of Icelandic settlement on the Icelandic mainland. Thjodhatid has since grown to become the largest multiday festival in Iceland. The festival takes place in a large valley where concerts and other festivities take place.

On Friday, there is a huge bonfire; on Saturday a fireworks display and on Sunday, everyone in the valley sings together to well-known Icelandic classics. The locals put up white tents where they come together to eat smoked puffin and cakes, play the guitar, and be merry.

While Thjodhatid might not be the best time to explore the islands, the landscapes, and wildlife there are nothing short of beautiful. A great way to experience their stunning nature is on one of the many great Westman Islands Tours. You can visit the islands as part of a day tour from Reykjavik, or enjoy all that the archipelago has to offer by staying at accommodation in the Westman Islands.

Top 5 Country Fairs and Smaller Festivals

Throughout the year, many country fairs and smaller festivals are held in towns and villages all over Iceland, each of which focuses on a different aspect of culture or heritage. These fairs provide a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to come together, celebrate their community, and enjoy a range of traditional activities and entertainment. Here are a few examples of smaller festivals in Iceland:

5. French Days in Faskrudsfjordur

The French Days in Faskrudsfjordur are celebrated on the third weekend of July and last for three days. This festival commemorates the area's link with French fishermen who came here in previous centuries and left their mark on Faskrudsfjordur.

Activities during the festival are a mix of French and Icelandic culture. An example of that is the French boules games pétanque which has become an indispensable event of this festival weekend. Although the festival officially starts on a Friday night with a bonfire, the schedule has been getting larger throughout the years and now typically begins on a Wednesday.

An interesting detour to make while visiting Faskrudsfjordur is to make the short drive to Stodvarfjordur to see Petra's stone and mineral collection - a museum featuring thousands of personally collected rocks that has become one of the top attractions in East Iceland.

• Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's Eastfjords

4. Danish Days in Stykkisholmur

The town of Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula was historically an important commercial center during the time of Danish rule in Iceland. The Danish connection was so strong that it is said that the residents of Stykkisholmur didn‘t speak a word of Icelandic on Sundays - only Danish.

The Danish heritage of the town is celebrated annually during Danish Days, a four-day celebration in July where the Danish flag is proudly flown, and streets are renamed to fit the theme. The activities, which are similarly translated with Danish names, aim to appeal to all ages, culminating in a large dance on Sunday. Find the perfect accommodation in Stykkisholmur to get to know the town better.

• See also: The Magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland 

3. The Lobster Festival in Hofn 

The best lobster you'll get in Iceland will likely be at Hofn, the lobster capital of Iceland. For the last thirty years, the inhabitants of Hofn have held the Lobster Festival in June to celebrate lobster fishing, which makes up a large part of their livelihood.

The Lobster Festival is everything you'd expect from a fair of its kind. Visitors will have plenty of lobster-themed dishes to try out served by the locals. There are also sporting events, concerts, and much more. If you're visiting the Glacier Lagoon or other nearby attractions during late June, consider stopping by for some delicious langoustine. Explore the selection of hotels and accommodations in Hofn if you're planning to partake in the festivities.

2. Irish Days in Akranes

Image from Private Akranes Town Tour.

Yet another festival that celebrates a settlement's international heritage is the Irish Days in Akranes. The original settlers in the area are believed to have come from Ireland and settled in Akranes sometime after 880. While this is not conclusive, it makes for a nice excuse to throw a great festival

The festival takes place in July, with people flocking to Akranes to take in the fusion of Irish and Icelandic cultures. The Irish flag can be seen everywhere, and the events are lively. One of the more bizarre competitions is the annual competition for the most redheaded Icelandic person. 

1. The Great Fish Day in Dalvik

The Great Fish Day is an annual festival held in Dalvik that celebrates the town's fishing heritage and the importance of the industry in the local community. Although the town itself is relatively small, the festival itself has become very popular, sometimes attracting tens of thousands during the weekend it's held.

There is a great sense of community during The Great Fish Day, and visitors will be delighted to get to try some delicious and free fish soup. While many companies donate ingredients for the soup, the inhabitants hand it out to the guests. If you're not much for soup, you'll have plenty of alternatives to choose from. Sushi, fishburgers, fish hot dogs, herring on rye bread - you name it.

The popularity of the festival can make it tricky to attend, as camping areas and accommodations tend to fill up quickly. Book a hotel in Dalvik well in advance to not miss out on this unforgettable experience.

All Festivals in Iceland

The list above is in no way exhaustive, as there are many more festivals taking place in Iceland throughout the year. Here is a somewhat comprehensive list of all the festivals in Iceland and where to find them.

Whether you’re searching for world-class music, delicious food, or quirky local customs, Iceland’s festivals have you covered. We’d love to hear about your experiences of attending any festivals in Iceland in the comments below.