Reykjavík unveils diverse programme for Culture Night

Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir presented the programme for Culture Night in central Reykjavík on Tuesday as the city celebrates its 240th anniversary, mbl.is reports. The festival will take place in central Reykjavík on Saturday, 22 August.

Residents, artists and businesses will all take part in the celebrations, with events taking place throughout the city centre.

Music, dance and outdoor events

The programme will officially open at 12.30pm on Klapparstígur, where the mayor will launch the festival and birthday cake will be served to mark the city’s anniversary.

Events include dance performances, a fashion show on Ingólfsstræti, Skrans’ skateboarding event, outdoor karaoke at Steinbryggjan and an art exhibition at the Reykjavík Art Museum.

Music will also feature prominently. One of the larger events will be Tónaflóð at Arnarhóll, with performances by Daði Freyr, Páll Óskar, JóiPé and Króli, Árný Margrét and other artists.

The Reykjavík Forestry Association will be the festival’s guest of honour, marking its 125th anniversary. Activities will include a scent shower, wood carving and a photography exhibition at City Hall.

Road closures and shuttle buses

Culture Night will end with a fireworks display at 10pm. The city is encouraging visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport, as many roads in the city centre will be closed to traffic.

Road closures will generally be in effect from 7am on Saturday until 1am after midnight.

Shuttle buses will run between parking areas at Laugardalshöll and Hallgrímskirkja via Borgartún, stopping at Hlemmur. The service will operate from 7.30am to 11.15pm.

In coordination with electric scooter companies, scooters may only be parked in designated areas on the edge of the Culture Night festival zone.