August in Reykjavík – Festivals, Pride and Cultural Fun

A colorful summer meadow with purple and white wildflowers in the foreground, and the Seljalandsfoss waterfall cascading down a green cliff in the background under soft sunlight.

01/08/2025 10:08

August is one of the most exciting months in Reykjavík. The city comes alive with music, color and celebration. Whether you're into live concerts, outdoor parades, marathons, or jazz, there’s something for everyone.

Verslunarmannahelgi: A Weekend of Festivals

August 1–4

Iceland’s biggest summer festival weekend is upon us. Locals head out for one last camping trip filled with bonfires, music and fireworks.

Don’t want to leave town? No worries! Innipúkinn Festival offers three days of live indoor concerts in downtown Reykjavík. Expect performances from Mugison, Bríet, SiGRÚN and many more. For more info click here.

Want to know more about the merchant weekend, check out our blog here.

Reykjavík Pride Week

August 5–10

Reykjavík Pride is one of Iceland’s largest annual events. What started in 1999 is now a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ life and love. Over 100,000 guests attend every year.

Here’s what’s happening during Pride week at Reykjavik Pride and Center Hotels:

• Opening Ceremony (Aug 5) - the Iceland Parliament Hotel To get ticket click here.

• Queer Pub Quiz & Cocktails (Aug 6) - SKÝ Lounge & Bar at Center Hotels Arnarhvoll. To view event click here.

• Charity Drag Bingo (Aug 7) - Center Hotels Plaza, hosted by the fabulous Michy To view event click here.

• Live Thursday Pride Edition (Aug 7) - Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar at Miðgarður by Center Hotels. To view event click here.

• Queeraoke (Aug 8) - SKÝ Lounge & Bar at Center Hotels Arnarhvoll. A karaoke night with pride vibes. To view event click here.

• Reykjavík Pride Parade (Aug 9) – the main event! March starts at 2 PM from Hallgrímskirkja Center Hotels bars will also feature a special Pride cocktail created by Grétar Matthíasson, Iceland’s multiple award winning cocktail champion. For more Reykjavik Pride info click here.

Reykjavík Marathon

August 23

The Íslandsbanki Reykjavík Marathon is one of the biggest sports events of the year. Whether you’re running a full marathon, joining the 3K Fun Run, or cheering from the sidelines, the energy is contagious. The course winds through the city and along the coastline, offering beautiful views and a fun, festive atmosphere.

This year, we at Center Hotels are proud to be part of the race. Our team is running for a good cause – supporting "Gleym mér ei", a charity for parents who experience pregnancy or infant loss.

Center Hotels covers half of the registration fee for our staff runners and will match all donations raised by the team. It’s our way of supporting both our colleagues and a deeply meaningful cause.

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

For more info on the Reykjavik Marathon click here.

Menningarnótt – Reykjavík Culture Night

August 23

One of the city’s biggest annual celebrations. Culture Night fills Reykjavík with art, music and free events. Museums, gardens, and squares host pop-up performances all day. The night ends with fireworks by the harbor. You’re invited – just like the slogan says: “Come on in!”

For more info on Menningarnótt click here.

Reykjavík Jazz Festival

August 26–31

Enjoy world-class jazz in one of the world’s smallest capitals. This long-running music festival features Icelandic talent and global jazz stars. You’ll hear everything from gospel to avant-garde. Concerts take place all over the city in unique venues.

For more info on the Reykjavik Jazz Festival click here.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland

01/09/2025

Northern lights, that elusive magical moment in the sky that many feared or revered in the past as either an omen of bad things to come or as a sign the ancestors were watching over us. Perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most breathtaking performances.

Things to Do in Reykjavik in September

01/09/2025

September in Reykjavik brings a mix of festivals, live performances, and cultural events. From international film screenings and music festivals to comedy nights and variety shows, the city is alive with activity. As the nights grow longer, there’s even a chance to catch the northern lights, making September an ideal time to explore Reykjavik, Iceland.

8 Great Restaurants to Try in Reykjavík

28/08/2025

Reykjavík may be small in size, but its food scene is bursting with flavor. From modern twists on Icelandic classics to bold international fusion, the city is full of restaurants that surprise and delight. Whether you’re craving sushi, tacos, comfort food, or fine dining, this guide to eight great spots will help you eat your way through the capital, all just steps away from CenterHotels

Culture Night Events in Reykjavík

19/08/2025

Join the city-wide celebration on August 23rd with a full day of music, food, art, and fireworks. From the Reykjavík Marathon and brunch beats at Jörgensen to jazz at Grandi and rooftop views at SKÝ Lounge, we’ve got your perfect Culture Night itinerary.

Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant Weekend 2025

01/08/2025

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.