August in Reykjavík – Festivals, Pride and Cultural Fun

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.