JULY 30-AUGUST 1 Innipúkinn festival is a popular indoor music festival taking place during Verslunarmannahelgi (Merchant’s Weekend), a long weekend at the beginning of August. Innipúkinn is the Icelandic word for couch potato, and the festival is a counterpart of the many outdoor festivals traditionally taking place during the weekend. Among the artists playing this year are Reykjavíkurdætur, GDRN, Bríet, Mammút, Floni, and Inspector Spacetime.
R E YK JAVÍ K PR I DE AUGUST 3-8
A MAGICAL WOR LD OF T WO PIANOS AUGUST 12 The duo Sóley, consisting of Laufey Sigrún Haraldsdóttir and Sólborg Valdimarsdóttir, performs works from various periods of the Western music history. Next to this, the concert will include new Icelandic pieces that were specially composed for the duo. The Icelandic composers, together with Händel, Mozart, Ravel, Piazzolla, and Shostakovich will, in collaboration with the performers, take the audience on a journey – deep into the sounds of the grand piano.
EVENTS
I N N I PÚ K I N N
The Reykjavík Pride started in the 1990s with around 1,500 visitors, and these days, the events attract over 100,000 guests from all over the world. It is the biggest annual event in Iceland. The theme this year is “Queers of all ages”, and you can expect a variety of entertainment, plus educational and cultural events catered to all age groups. The Pride Parade, which gets bigger and more fabulous every year, takes place on August 7 at 14:00.
CU LT U R E N IGH T AUGUST 21
PICN IC CONCER T S AT NOR DIC HO USE : H EI K K I RUOKANG A S
R E YK JAVÍ K JA Z Z F E STI VAL
AUGUST 8
Reykjavík Jazz Festival is an eight-day music festival focusing on jazz, blues, funk, and improvisation. Leading international as well as Icelandic jazz musicians perform at different stages around town. Performers come from all over the world and this year’s edition includes 2020 Grammy nominee Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, Melissa Aldana Quartet, Family Band, Broken Cycle Trio, Astra, Anna Gréta Tríó, and Blúsmenn Andreu.
Heikki Ruokangas is an Oulu-based jazz and avant-garde guitarist and composer. By combining melody and noise, Ruokangas’ music spans from fragile and melodic to nearly violent. Ruokangas’ works are influenced by Northern Finnish nature and culture. During the Picnic Concerts, it’s possible to buy beverages and food at the in-house restaurant, and enjoy these outside. The concert takes place on a Sunday afternoon and is free of charge.
FROM AUGUST 28
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Culture Night marks the start of Reykjavík’s cultural year, when museums, theatres, and other cultural institutions launch their new programme. Festivities start in the early afternoon and end in the late evening, and cover a wide variety of events. Shows take place in streets, on squares, in museums, and even in residential gardens. Traditionally, the night ends with an impressive firework show by the harbour. All events are open to the public and free of charge.
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