Culture Night brings concerts and events across Reykjavík
Saturday 22nd August 2026 on 12:30 in
Iceland
Reykjavík’s Culture Night takes over the city centre on Saturday with concerts, performances and family activities, mbl.is reports. Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir will officially open the festival at 12.30pm on Klapparstígur.
The programme runs from morning until evening and includes the Reykjavík Marathon, concerts, dance, art exhibitions, outdoor karaoke and family events. The festival will end with a fireworks display at 10pm.
More than 15,000 people are registered for the Reykjavík Marathon, which offers marathon, half-marathon, 10-kilometre and fun-run distances. All races start at the University of Iceland.
About ISK 210 million had been raised through race pledges by Friday morning, around ISK 15 million more than at the same time last year. Approximately ISK 250 million was raised in 2025, and organisers expect a similar total this year.
Extensive road closures will be in effect for the festival and the marathon. Traffic disruptions are expected across the capital area from 8am to 3pm, with temporary closures in Vesturbær, at Grandi, along Sæbraut and in parts of the city centre.
Rain is forecast in Reykjavík, with around 10 millimetres of precipitation expected during the day. Skies will be cloudy and overcast, with temperatures of 10 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Music will feature prominently in the programme. Rás 2’s Tónaflóð will take place at Arnarhóll, with performances by JóiPé and Króli, Árný Margrét, Spacestation, Daði Freyr, Páll Óskar and Benni Hemm Hemm.
Bylgjan will mark its 40th anniversary with a concert in Hljómskálagarður park, featuring Birgitta Haukdal, Friðrik Dór, Stefán Hilmarsson, Á móti sól and FM95BLÖ. DJ Margeir will host MOMENT on Klapparstígur, with proceeds going to the Bryndís Klara Memorial Fund.
The Reykjavík Forestry Association, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, is the festival’s guest of honour. A special programme will be held at Reykjavík City Hall.
Most public transport routes will run more frequently. Free shuttle buses will operate between Laugardalshöll and Hallgrímskirkja from 7am until shortly after 11pm. Drivers are encouraged to park at Laugardalshöll and use the shuttles.
For the first time, the shuttles will also stop on Njarðargata from 7am to noon because of the marathon. Regular bus services will end at 9.30pm, when all available buses will be sent to the Sun Voyager sculpture on Sæbraut. Between 10pm and 11pm, passengers will be taken from there free of charge to all districts in the capital area.