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April in Reykjavík: Culture, Cocktails & a Hint of Summer

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01/04/2025 11:04

As the snow begins to melt and daylight stretches longer into the evenings, Reykjavík slowly wakes up from its winter slumber. April brings with it a fun mix of creativity, celebration, and quirky Icelandic traditions — from world-class festivals and cocktail tastings to comedy nights and early summer parades. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or living here year-round, here’s what not to miss this April in the city.

Reykjavík Cocktail Week | March 31 – April 6

Kicking off the month with style (and a splash of something strong), Reykjavík Cocktail Week celebrates the city’s booming cocktail scene. Bars across town are mixing up signature drinks, and bartenders compete for the title of Iceland’s Cocktail Champion. SKÝ Lounge & Bar is the official bar of the week, so it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some expertly crafted cocktails. Don’t miss the Cocktail Expo in Harpa on April 2nd — a perfect opportunity to taste, learn, and mingle. For more click here.

Eldblóm x Ísafold | April 3

Join us at Ísafold Lounge & Bar (Þingholt by Center Hotels) at 20:00 for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and movement. Grétar Matthíasson, Iceland’s reigning Cocktail Champion, and artist Sigga Soffía the creator of Eldblóm, the Icelandic spritz host a lively panel discussion. Grétar will introduce a brand-new Eldblóm cocktail, and afterwards, Sigga Soffía leads a dance party to keep the night flowing. Check out the event on facebook here.

DesignMarch | April 2 – 6

Iceland’s largest and most exciting design festival takes over the city for five days of exhibitions, talks, product launches, and creativity in all forms. From fashion and furniture to tech and sustainability — this is where Reykjavík shows off its inventive side. For more click here.

Belonging? Comedy Show | April 4

After a sold-out debut last fall, Belonging? returns to Salurinn. This heartfelt and hilarious show features award-winning foreign-born comedians — including Dan Roh, Andrew Sim, Dan Nava, Glo, Joy, and Sparkle — sharing their experiences of living in Iceland as immigrants. Expect laughter, honesty, and some wonderfully weird stories. To buy ticket click here.

House of Revolution: “And… Seen!” | April 5

R.E.C. Arts Reykjavík wraps up their second season of House of Revolution with a powerful finale at Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn (The National Theatre Cellar). “AND…SEEN!” is a dynamic variety show exploring the importance of representation and visibility in art, media, and society. Expect a mix of music, dance, storytelling, and performance from some of Iceland’s boldest voices. For more info have a look at their insta and give them a follow! @recartsrvk and @houseofrevolution. Sliding scale tickets available, to book a ticket click here.

Open Mic Night at SKÝ | April 10

Come hang out at SKÝ Lounge & Bar for a cozy and welcoming night of live performance. Whether you're stepping up to the mic or cheering from the crowd, our open mic night hosted by the lovely Dori is a celebration of local voices, creativity, and spontaneous fun. For more click here.

Reykjavík Early Music Festival – Off-Venue at SKÝ | April 14 & 15

Baroque music, rare instruments, and candlelit vibes — in a cocktail bar? Yes! The Reykjavík Early Music Festival brings its off-venue concerts to SKÝ Lounge & Bar for two unforgettable evenings. Expect enchanting performances by international and Icelandic artists, blending the elegance of the past with the charm of the present. For more click here.

Reykjavík Open | April 9 – 15

Chess fans, take note! Reykjavík Open is one of the most respected open tournaments in the world, attracting grandmasters and rising stars alike. Pop by to watch some intense matches and witness the strategic magic unfold at Harpa Concert Hall. For more click here.

Stockfish Film Festival | April 3 – 13

Reykjavík’s annual art-house film festival returns to Bíó Paradís for its 10th edition, bringing together the best of Icelandic and international cinema. It’s a brilliant chance to discover powerful stories, meet filmmakers, and enjoy the city’s indie film scene at its finest. For more click here.

Easter in Reykjavík | April 17 – 21

Easter in Iceland is all about cozy meals, giant chocolate eggs, and a slower pace. While many locals head to the countryside, you’ll still find special menus in Reykjavík restaurants and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a spring reset. If you want to know more about Icelandic Easter Eggs check out our blog here.

First Day of Summer | April 24

Only in Iceland would summer start in April — and we love that for us. Sumardagurinn fyrsti is a national holiday that dates back to the old Norse calendar, which divided the year into just two seasons: winter and summer. Kids get summer gifts (sumargjafir), parades pop up around the city, and if the temperature drops below freezing the night before, it’s said to promise a warm summer ahead. So bring your gloves — and your sunnies.

Wrapping Up

April in Reykjavík is full of surprises — a perfect mix of culture, laughter, music, and tradition. Whether you're sipping cocktails, laughing at open mic night, or welcoming “summer” with a woolly hat on, one thing’s for sure: there's never a dull moment.

Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant Weekend 2025
Verslunarmannahelgi, or Merchants’ Weekend, is Iceland’s biggest summer holiday. Held the first weekend of August, it’s packed with music festivals, camping, fireworks, and family fun across the country—from Reykjavík to the Westman Islands and Akureyri. Whether you’re up for live music or a peaceful nature getaway, this long weekend offers something for everyone.
August in Reykjavík – Festivals, Pride and Cultural Fun
August in Reykjavík is packed with color, music, and celebration. From the epic Verslunarmannahelgi festival and vibrant Reykjavík Pride to the city-wide joy of Culture Night and the smooth sounds of the Jazz Festival, this month offers something for everyone. Whether you're running the Reykjavík Marathon or just soaking up the summer vibes, it’s the perfect time to explore Iceland’s capital.
Reykjavík Bus Stops for Center Hotels Guests
Planning a tour or airport transfer from Reykjavík? This guide helps Center Hotels guests find the nearest designated bus stops for easy pick-ups and drop-offs. Whether you’re heading out for a Golden Circle adventure or catching your airport shuttle, we've got you covered with all the stop numbers and locations, just a short walk from your hotel.
A Winter Day in Reykjavík: Local Tips and Hidden Gems
Snow-dusted streets, cozy cafés, and a chance to see the Northern Lights. Winter in Reykjavík is nothing short of magical. Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and a cinnamon roll at one of the city's charming cafés, wander by the serene Tjörnin pond and explore colorful shopping streets like Laugavegur and Rainbow Street. Warm up in geothermal pools like Sundhöllin or the luxurious Sky Lagoon, then wind down with a hearty Icelandic meal and a scoop of local ice cream, yes, even in winter! If you're lucky, your night will end under a sky painted green by the Northern Lights. Reykjavík in winter? Unforgettable.
Soak Up the Summer: July Highlights in Reykjavik
Looking for ideas to make the most of July in Reykjavik? Whether you're into sunset cocktails, live music, outdoor adventures, or hidden art gems, the city is full of exciting ways to enjoy the summer. We've rounded up some of our favorite things to do in and around Reykjavik this month—from jet ski safaris and mountain climbs to intimate concerts and powerful festivals. Get inspired and plan your perfect July day (or night) in the city.