Culture night

18/08/2023 12:08

Photo: Menningarnótt

CULTURE NIGHT

Hey there! Guess what? Reykjavik is throwing its massive birthday bash, and everyone is invited! Menningarnótt, also known as Culture Night, lights up Reykjavik's city center on Saturday, 24th August 2024. Think of it as the biggest birthday party imaginable where half the country's population (that's 150,000 to 200,000 folks!) comes together to celebrate.

Since 1996, Reykjavik transforms into a cultural hotspot, a jam-packed day of events, performances, and pure Icelandic magic. A variety of talent can be found all accross the city center – artists, local legends, institutions, and basically anyone with a penchant for fun, come together at a jamboree right in the city's heartbeat. It’s all about shining a spotlight on the city's vibrant cultural pulse and getting everyone, locals and visitors, to dance to its rhythm.

Photo: Menningarnott.is

REYKJAVIK MARATHON

The day kicks off with the Reykjavik marathon early on Saturday morning. You will see thousands of people of all ages running either 3 km (1.86 mi), 10 km (6.21 mi), 21.1 km (13.11 mi) or a full marathon of 42.2 km (26.22 mi) around the city. The best part? Many of these spirited runners are sprinting for charity, having gathered donations for awesome causes.

To register click here

Photo: Íþróttabandalag Reykjavíkur

CULTURAL EVENTS

Delve into a world of music, design, literature, architecture, and more. While the city turns into a sprawling cultural canvas, the real hotspot is the Arnarhóll's main stage, where local artists drop beats and steal hearts. And guess what? You can indulge in all these cultural feasts without spending a dime!

Check out the full program here

Photo: Mbl.is / Eggert Jóhannesson

FIREWORKS SHOW

Top off your adventure with a bang! At 23:00 (11 pm), Arnarhóll will dazzle with fireworks, painting the night sky with glitter. Not at Arnarhóll? No worries! Grab a spot anywhere in the city, and soak in the magic. Go up to SKÝ Lounge and Bar for a prime spot to see the display while enjoying a drink, DJ Júlala will be spinning her beats as the sky blazes.

Photo: Borgin okkar / Menningarnótt

GOOD TO KNOW

Heads up, adventurers! Many roads will be closed off within the city limits for the Culture Night events, from early in the morning until late. If you're driving, peek at our festival road map and see where you can park to avoid getting stuck if you´re planning an outing that day:

Festival road map

If you need to get around the city then we highly recommend using the bus. Need more speed? Taxis await at various spots, and if you're feeling electric, scoot away on a rented electric scooter. Safe travels and happy partying!

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