Iceland's 7 Top Music Festivals: A Complete Guide
Iceland's music scene stands out for a country with just 398,000 people. From venues in Reykjavík to settings in remote fjords, Iceland offers unique festival experiences. The mix of landscapes, talent, and natural features like the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights creates a special atmosphere.
Iceland has festivals for all music tastes: indie rock, jazz, metal, and electronic. Here's what you need to know about Iceland's best music festivals.
What makes Iceland's music festivals special?
Iceland's festivals aren't just about music; they're about the whole experience. Many events take place in beautiful natural settings or unique locations, such as old fish factories, volcanic areas, and fjord towns.
Most Icelandic festivals are small, creating a closeness that's hard to find at bigger events. With crowds usually between 800 and 5,000 people, you won't feel lost in a big crowd. This size lets you connect with other festival-goers and often the artists, too.
Icelandic festivals blend local and international talent well. You'll discover Icelandic artists who might later become famous worldwide, alongside established international acts who are drawn to Iceland's setting and music-loving crowds.
Top Music Festivals in Iceland
Iceland boasts an incredible array of music festivals for a country of its size, with amazing local artists and an enviable atmosphere. Here are our top picks
1. Iceland Airwaves (November)
Iceland Airwaves turns Reykjavík into a music hub each November. It started in 1999 in an airport hangar and is now known worldwide, with shows in many venues across the city center.
Airwaves is great for finding new music. With over 200 acts playing in small venues like churches, bookstores, and art galleries, along with bigger halls, you'll find new favorite bands easily. The festival happens during aurora season, so you might see the Northern Lights between shows.
Airwaves covers indie rock, alternative, electronic, and experimental music. The festival showcases rising talent before they become famous globally. Past performers include Björk, Sigur Rós, Florence + The Machine, and Fleet Foxes. The 2025 lineup continues this pattern with artists like Fat Dog (post-punk), Tunde Adebimpe (art rock), and JFDR (ethereal pop).
Practical details:
- Festival Pass: 17,400 ISK (~$125)
- Day Pass: 11,900 ISK (~$85)
- Venues are close together in downtown Reykjavík
- The weather is cold (~5°C) and often wet, so bring layers and waterproof clothes
Pro tip: Book a place to stay at least 6 months ahead. Reykjavík gets full during Airwaves, and prices go up as the festival gets closer.
2. Reykjavík Jazz Festival (August)
Iceland's second-oldest music festival brings six days of jazz to the capital each August. From traditional to cutting-edge, the festival showcases a range of jazz styles in venues that span from the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall to small clubs.
The festival combines high-quality music with a friendly atmosphere, making it good for both jazz experts and newcomers. Since the festival takes place in August, you can enjoy good weather and pair jazz with visits to Reykjavík's cafés.
As the name suggests, jazz is the primary focus, but the festival includes many styles: bebop, avant-garde, Latin, big band, and fusion. Past performers include Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mulatu Astatke, and Icelandic jazz artists like Sunna Gunnlaugs and ADHD. The 2025 edition features big names, such as Grammy-winner Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Practical details:
- Festival Pass: 21,990-29,990 ISK ($180-$245)
- Evening Passes: 8.990 ISK ($74)
- Weather is mild (~10°C) – light layers are fine
- Venues are all in central Reykjavík
Pro tip: Book tickets for Harpa shows early, as seats for the main venue are limited and sell out fast for headline acts.
3. Innipúkinn Music Festival (Merchant’s Weekend)
Innipúkinn (meaning "homebody" in Icelandic) happens during Verslunarmannahelgi (Merchant's Weekend), Iceland's biggest holiday weekend. It's good for people who want to stay in the city while many locals go to countryside festivals.
Innipúkinn captures the holiday weekend spirit in a city setting. The focus on Icelandic talent makes it a great showcase of local music.
The festival mainly features Icelandic artists across indie rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Past performers include Kaleo (before their international success), rapper Birnir, indie-pop singer Bríet, and veteran acts like Sigga. The 2025 lineup kept this mix of established artists and newcomers from Iceland's scene.
Practical details:
- You can buy weekend tickets and single-day tickets
- Central venues like Austurbæjarbíó are easy to reach on foot
- Weather is usually pleasant (~12°C)
Pro tip: Stay in downtown Reykjavík for easy access to venues. Bars and restaurants get crowded, so make dinner reservations ahead if you want to eat out during the festival.
4. Bræðslan Music Festival (July)
In a small East Iceland village with just 110 people, Bræðslan turns a 50-year-old herring factory into one of Iceland's most exclusive music venues for one night each July.
Limited to just 800 tickets, Bræðslan offers one of Iceland's most intimate festival experiences. The setting, colorful mountains and fjords surrounding an old fish factory with good acoustics, creates a special atmosphere.
Bræðslan typically features folk, indie, and acoustic music that suits the intimate factory setting. Past performers include international acts like Belle and Sebastian and Emiliana Torrini, alongside Icelandic artists like Of Monsters and Men and Ásgeir. The 2025 edition followed this pattern with folk-rocker Mugison headlining, known for his raw, emotional performances.
Practical details:
- Sells out fast – book early
- Remote location needs a car (4-5 hours from Reykjavík)
- Weather is cool (~10°C) and can change
Pro tip: Make it part of an East Iceland road trip. The remote location takes planning, but the combination of the festival and the beautiful East Fjords makes for a memorable trip.
5. Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (April)
Started by musician Mugison and his father, this free "I Never Went South" festival celebrates Westfjords pride during Easter weekend in Ísafjörður. The name shows resistance to Reykjavík-centered culture, bringing music to Iceland's remote northwestern area.
The free entry and volunteer-run approach make this a true community event. Held in a fish warehouse in a dramatic fjord setting, it offers an authentic piece of Icelandic culture away from tourist spots. The festival is often inaugurated by a notable figure, like the president of Iceland himself in 2024.
The festival includes many styles, featuring rock, folk, punk, electronic, and hip-hop. Past lineups have included Icelandic favorites like Mugison (naturally), Retro Stefson, and Emmsjé Gauti. The 2025 edition kept this diverse approach with electro-pop group FM Belfast, indie artist Una Torfa, and hip-hop duo Jói Pé og Króli sharing the stage.
Practical details:
- Free entry – no tickets needed
- Fly or drive to Ísafjörður (6 hours from Reykjavík)
- Cold weather (~0°C) and possible snow, so pack warm clothes
- Happens at the same time as Ísafjörður's Ski Week for added activities
Pro tip: Book a place to stay months ahead, as Ísafjörður has few options that fill quickly for Easter weekend. Consider combining the festival with skiing or fjord tours for a comprehensive Westfjords experience.
6. Extreme Chill Festival (September)
Iceland's main electronic music festival offers five days of ambient, experimental, and techno sounds in various Reykjavík venues. It uses Iceland's unique light and atmosphere to enhance the electronic experience.
Extreme Chill focuses on pushing the boundaries of electronic music that fits with Iceland's otherworldly landscapes. The festival creates immersive experiences where music, visuals, and setting blend together.
The festival specializes in ambient, downtempo, experimental, and techno music. Past editions have featured electronic pioneers like Biosphere and The Orb alongside Icelandic electronic artists such as Yagya and Futuregrapher. The 2025 lineup continues this tradition with ambient producer Loscil, experimental artist Drew McDowall, and theremin specialist Hekla creating soundscapes that match Iceland's terrain.
Practical details:
- Full Pass: 19.990 ISK ($163)
- Day tickets: 4900 ISK - 6900 ISK ($41-$58)
- Venues likely in downtown Reykjavík
- Weather is cool (~8°C) – layer for outdoor sets
- Check extremechill.org for venue updates
Pro tip: Extreme Chill attracts a specific audience seeking sounds beyond mainstream electronic music. It's good for those who like experimental music in unique settings.
7. Iceland Eclipse (August 12-15, 2026)
Coming from the former Secret Solstice festival, Iceland Eclipse debuts in 2026 to coincide with a rare total solar eclipse, only the second visible from Iceland since 1954. This new festival combines music, art, tech, and wellness on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse provides a central focus for this new festival. The Snæfellsnes setting offers volcanic landscapes and coastal beauty as a backdrop for the performances and the different activities and experiences.
Building on the success of its predecessor, Secret Solstice, expect a diverse mix of mainstream and underground artists across rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Secret Solstice featured acts like Foo Fighters, Black Eyed Peas, and Rick Ross alongside Icelandic artists. Iceland Eclipse will likely continue this broad appeal while adding cosmic-themed performances to match the eclipse setting.
Practical details:
- Limited passes – prices TBD (likely $150-$300 based on Secret Solstice)
- Early access via eclipse.is
- Snæfellsnes is 2 hours from Reykjavík
- Weather typically ~10°C but unpredictable
Tips for attending music festivals in Iceland
Festivals in Iceland are pretty straightforward, but here are some handy tips to make the most of your (potential) experience.
Best times to visit
Iceland's festival calendar spans the year, each season offering different experiences:
- Spring (April-May): Aldrei Fór Ég Suður happens during Easter, with longer days and the first signs of spring.
- Summer (June-August): Main season for festivals like Bræðslan and Innipúkinn, with mild weather and the Midnight Sun.
- Fall (September-October): Extreme Chill Festival has changing weather and the first chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Winter (November-March): Iceland Airwaves takes place in early November, with shorter days and very high chances of seeing the auroras.
Weather and what to pack
Iceland's weather changes a lot, no matter the season:
- Summer festivals: Even in July/August, temperatures rarely go above 15°C. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes.
- Winter festivals: For events like Airwaves, bring proper winter gear, as temperatures are around 0-5°C with wind and rain likely.
- Remote festivals: Those in the East or the Westfjords need extra preparation. The weather can change quickly in these areas.
Essential packing list: Waterproof jacket, layers (fleece, wool), waterproof shoes, hat, gloves (for non-summer events), sunglasses (especially for midnight sun festivals), and a portable battery pack for your phone.
Transportation and accommodation
- Reykjavík festivals: The capital is easy to walk around, with venues usually close together downtown. No car needed.
- Remote festivals: Rent a car for events in the East or Westfjords. Check road.is for conditions, especially outside of summer.
- Accommodation: Book 6+ months ahead for all festivals. Consider hostels or guesthouses to save money, or camping for summer events.
Combining festivals with nature exploration
Make the most of your trip by pairing festivals with Iceland's natural wonders:
- Iceland Airwaves: Add Northern Lights hunting and the Golden Circle.
- Summer festivals: Combine with hiking or exploring the region around the festival.
- Aldrei Fór Ég Suður: Pair with skiing in the Westfjords.
- Iceland Eclipse: Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula's lava fields and coastal features.
Budgeting advice
Iceland is expensive, but festivals themselves are relatively affordable:
- Festival tickets: Most range from $30-$150 USD, with some (like Aldrei Fór Ég Suður) being free.
- Accommodation: The biggest expense. Hostels start around $50/night, hotels $150+.
- Food: Budget $50-80 per day for meals. Save by shopping at Bónus supermarkets.
- Transport: Car rentals run $60-100/day. Use public transport in Reykjavík to save.
- Money-saving tips: Book early, consider hostels or camping, and make some of your own meals.
Conclusion
Iceland's music festivals offer experiences that go beyond typical events. Whether finding new bands at Iceland Airwaves, enjoying jazz in Reykjavík's venues, or experiencing metal in a remote fjord under the midnight sun, these festivals combine great music with Iceland's amazing landscapes and culture.