Events and festivals in Iceland

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EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN ICELAND

In October - Iceland Airwaves

What started as a showcase for local DJs has evolved into a full-blown, international music festival that presents the hottest new bands from the

USA

, Europe and Iceland. Since its debut in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has hosted Sigur Ros, Quarashi, Suede, Citizen Cope, Fat Boy Slim and the Hives, to name a few.

Numerous concerts take place in the down town Reykjavik from Hardcore Metal to R'n'B; Hip Hop, Lo-Fi and Jazz to Indie-Rock. In the evenings bars are jam packed with Iceland's very own super-star DJs. Referred to as "probably one of the top 10 musical experiences of my entire life..." by Elektra Records director Leigh Lust, Iceland Airwaves will continue to deliver the best weekend away in Europe. As The New York Times has asked "How did Reykjavik become a pop laboratory?" ...

In August - Unglist – Young Art Festival

Unglist, the art festival of young people, has been a yearly event in Reykjavik since 1992. The festival has gone on a week each time with a multitude of performers and spectators. The program consists of music, design, fashion, photography, paintings and theatre just to mention a few. The festival has reflected the major trends that have been current in young people's art. Young art’s main purpose is to give all culture's dark corners a chance to shine and get their art into the public spotlight.

In October - Reykjavik Jazz Festival

The annual Reykjavik Jazz Festival is an increasingly prestigious event on the international jazz scene. It features many acclaimed international Jazz players as well as the majority of

Iceland

’s leading Jazz musicians. Over the period of 5 days the concerts are held all over Reykjavik city. The performances on the agenda are various, ranging from new compositions in Latin beat to pure Gospel, avant-garde music to children’s jazz.

In August - Reykjavik Marathon

This annual event involves thousands of participants from

Iceland

and abroad. Marathon proper, half marathon and a so called fun run (4.3 miles). The official program starts at noon and ends in the late evening, with many functions continuing into the early morning hours.

In August - Gay pride

This colorful event brings thousands of people to City Center every year to show solidarity and have fun with the gay community in Reykjavik. Gays and lesbians come out in force and style to parade and party. The grand open air stage show down town features various entertainers, artists and bands.

In August - Cultural night

The Cultural Night in Reykjavik has become an essential part of cultural life in

Iceland

with thousands of people strolling the streets of the city on this exciting and eventful night. The Cultural Night offers the chance to enjoy a variety of activities ranging from traditional shows and exhibitions to more unusual happenings. Number of cultural institutes such as galleries, ateliers, shops, cafes, churches, restaurants and bars in downtown of Reykjavik stay open until late.

The immensely popular Reykjavik Marathon takes place on the same day.

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Eating out
All the main Restaurant in Iceland broken down to catagories