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Culture Night Events in Reykjavík

A panoramic view of downtown Reykjavík featuring Hallgrímskirkja, a tall white church with a pointed tower. The city is surrounded by colorful houses and green trees. In the background, the b
19/08/2025 10:08

August in Reykjavík is bursting with life. The city is full of music, art, and celebration. And Culture Night „Menningarnótt“ is the highlight of it all. If you're in town on August 23rd, you're in for a treat. We've gathered a full day of events happening with and around Center Hotels. Whether you're up for music, good food, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

Reykjavik Marathon

The day kicks off with the Reykjavík Marathon. It’s not just about running. Many join to support local charities. This year, our team at Center Hotels is running in support of Gleym mér ei, a non-profit that helps parents who experience pregnancy or infant loss. As we do every year, we match the amount that our staff manages to raise for the causes we support. Feel free to cheer them on or join the atmosphere around the route, it’s full of energy and community spirit.

You can follow our progress and see how much we’ve raised so far on our campaign page here.

Bottomless brunch & DJ at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar

From 12:00 to 15:00, local DJ DJökull will be spinning feel-good tunes at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar. It’s the perfect stop for brunch, a drink, and great music.

Sit back and recharge, or tap your feet with the rhythm, no pressure, just good vibes. To book your table for brunch click here.

Explore events in Reykjavík

The whole city comes alive during Culture Night.Expect pop-up performances, street art, and family-friendly fun, especially around Hljómskálagarður Park. It's one of the best places to feel the city’s creative pulse.

It’s easy to spend hours just wandering and discovering something new around every corner. For more information on the Culture Night program click here.

Live Music & Happy hour at Center Hotels Plaza

From 16:00 to 18:00, enjoy happy hour at Center Hotels Plaza with live tunes by the dynamic duo Sandra Thomsen and Arrun Harker. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy a musical moment in our cozy lobby lounge before the evening kicks off. For more info on this event click here.

Live jazz and dinner at Grandi restaurant & bar

Over at Grandi Restaurant & Bar, singer-songwriter María Magnúsdóttir brings a jazzy trio to life from 18:00 to 20:00. Here’s a little bonus: if you book a dinner table during this time, you can get free access to Grandi Spa per person. You can use it any day you choose and it will be valid for one whole year. Music, food, and future relaxation, all in one evening. To book a table click here.

Happy Hour, fireworks and DJ at SKÝ Lounge & Bar

Finish the night with a bang. Literally. At SKÝ Lounge & Bar, DJ GRÄNZ starts spinning at 21:00. Grab a drink during Late Night Happy Hour and settle in for one of the best views in Reykjavík for the Culture Night fireworks at 22:00. You’ll see the city light up in celebration, surrounded by people, music, and energy. For more info on this event click here.

Tips for Culture Night in Reykjavik

You don’t need to follow a strict schedule. Culture Night is about exploring at your own pace. But if you’re staying with us at Center Hotels, you have plenty of reasons to stay close while soaking up the city’s magic.

Street restrictions during culture night

For those of you planning to drive around that weekend we recommend to have a look at the street closures and restrictions for Culture Night to avoid any complications or unnecessary hassle. You can access a street closure map here.

Booking restaurants in Reykjavik

If your plan is to eat out on this night, you will need to book a table since it is one of the busiest nights of the summer, it is possible to book at most restaurants through dineout.is.

Free activities in Reykjavik during culture night

There are many free activities and shows going on throughout the city center, notably at Hljómskálagarður park but also many museums are free during this day. Have a look at the program through the Reykjavik city website or google Menningarnótt.

We look forward to seeing you on this day of celebration!

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