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.

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.

August in Reykjavík – Festivals, Pride and Cultural Fun

01/08/2025

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

17/07/2025

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

11/07/2025

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

01/07/2025

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.