August in LGBTQ+ Iceland heralds the pinnacle of summer’s brilliance, as the nation basks in the glow of endless days and the buildup to the grand National Pride celebration.
The continuous sunlight illuminates Iceland’s striking landscapes, infusing the LGBTQIA+ community with renewed energy and enthusiasm. August, with its perfect blend of long days and active nights, becomes a vibrant tapestry of rainbows, inclusivity, and joyous festivities, culminating in the highly anticipated Pride events.
In Reykjavik and throughout the country, August brims with an array of activities and gatherings that showcase the dynamic spirit of LGBTQIA+ life in Iceland. The capital’s lively streets and the serene beauty of its countryside resonate with an atmosphere of acceptance and solidarity. The influx of tourists during this peak season only enhances the celebratory mood, creating an inviting space for both newcomers and locals to connect and celebrate.
At the start of this August Reykjavík Pride will celebrate its 25th year and this one promises to be the biggest yet. There are a bunch of incredible events happening for the festival. For the entire program, head over to the official Reykjavík Pride website.
In the meantime we’ve put together a selection of some of the unmissable events. Let’s not forget, there are also events happening both before and after pride. So put on some coffee and pull out your diaries, because you might want to start organising so you don’t miss anything.
Kikioke – Karaoke at Kiki!
When: Most Thursdays (August 1, 15, 22 & 29). During Pride Week – Sunday August 4
Time: 22:00 to late
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
Every Thursday people from all over descend on Iceland’s premier queer bar to share the joys of their vocal talents. The karaoke typically kicks off around 10pm and goes till late so do your warm ups and make your song selections.
Heart Attack at Kiki
When: Saturday August 3
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK (at the door)
Local Drag House, House of Heart are telling you It’s time to warm up for Reykjavík Pride! An extra special show on August 3rd to get ourselves ready for a week of super queer festivities
This show has a special cause behind it because the House of Heart is donating this show’s proceeds to Félagið Ísland-Palestína. Guests will also be able to make additional donations throughout the show.
House of Heart is also very excited to have everyone’s favourite naughty auntie Jenny Purr join them for this special pre-pride show.
Painting the Rainbow – Reykjavik Pride 2024
When: Tuesday August 6
Time: 12:00pm
Where: Barónsstígur 32a, 101 Reykjavik
Cost: Free
It’s become a tradition to paint a rainbow on the streets of Reykjavík to mark the formal start of Reykjavik Pride. The location changes and this year the designated spot is in front of the Queer Youth Centre (located in Barónsstígur 32a next to Austurbæjarskóli school) on August 6th at 12:00.
All are welcome!
Reykjavík Pride Opening Ceremony
When: Tuesday August 6
Time: 20:00
Where: Gróska Business and Innovation Centre, Bjargargata 1 102, 101 Reykjavík.
Cost: 3.900 ISK
This is the official opening ceremony of the 2024 Reykjavík Pride Festival. The festivities officially kick off at 8pm with entertainment from fabulous local performers and distinguished guests. The opening ceremony is often regarded as a ‘must’ for those who want to get the most out of Reykjavík Pride.
Opening Ceremony After Party at Kiki
When: Tuesday August 6
Time: 21:00 to 01:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
This is exactly what it sounds like. Come dance the night away after the opening ceremony of Reykjavík Pride.
90’s Queer Karaoke at Gaukurinn
When: Tuesday August 6
Time: 21:00 to 01:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
This local favourite karaoke night is back but this time with a pride twist. Come to Gaukurinn for a free 90s themed karaoke extravaganza. Arrive early for a great spot on the list while dressed in your best 90’s looks! Expect a dancefloor, themed drinks, and discounted energy drinks all night thanks to this event’s sponsor Orka!
One, Two, DRAG! (All Ages Drag Event)
When: Wednesday August 7
Time: Starts 14:00, show at 15:00
Where: The Pride Centre, IÐNO (main hall), Vonarstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík.
Cost: Free
This event is a daytime drag spectacular for drag fans of all ages. Starting at 14:00 local drag family ‘House of Heart’ will open the doors of Iðno and invite the public to take part in some fun activities like Drag Storytime with Sarina, Hula Hoops with Bobbie Michelle and face painting.
The main event is, of course, a drag show at 15:00 with the incredible performers of the ‘House of Heart.’ Leading up to this show there are also some drag workshops designed to help young people explore the world of drag in a safe and supportive environment. If you are interested in the workshops you can sign up by filling out this form.
All guests are encouraged to wear their most colourful clothing and after the show, they are welcome to take photos and mingle with the drag royals.
Pride Flag Stand-Up in Mosfellsbær Library
When: Thursday August 8
Time: 16:00
Where: Mossfellsbær Library, Þverholt 2, 270 Mosfellsbær.
Cost: Free
If you’ve spent any time in queer circles you may have noticed the sometimes overwhelming amount of flags. There seem to be infinite variations of colorful stripes on fabric for people to wave at parades.
Comedian Sindri “Sparkle” Freyr brings together the history of these banners in their most colourful stand-up special so far.
Don’t do DRAGS! Drag Community Celebration, Show and Awards
When: Thursday August 8
Time: 21:00
Where: Sjálfsstæðissalurinn (the old Nasa/Gamla Nasa), Thorvaldsensstræti 2 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 3.900 ISK
Gógó Starr, House of Heart and Vesen present:
Don’t Do Drags! The (soon-to-be) annual Icelandic drag community celebration, where the acts are made up and the awards don’t matter.
The goal of the evening is to bring the drag community together to celebrate yet another great and super-queer year of drag. This includes performers, producers, helpers, friends, fans and everyone else who is passionate about the drag scene in Reykjavík.
During the evening, there will be magnificent performances on the stage and a very stupid award ceremony (think the Oscars, but more nonsense) where we celebrate some of the achievements and failures of the year. Truly, the awards don’t matter. However, community voting before the event will allow everyone to take part in the selection.
The night will start with a Pink Carpet, paparazzi-style, so wear your favourite outfit for the photos.
20:00 – Doors open & Pink Carpet!
21:00 – Show and celebrations start!
Loki Pride Party – 90s and Early 2000s Extravaganza
When: Thursday August 8
Time: 20:00 to 01:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 2.000 ISK (at the door)
This party is set to get you ready for the Pride weekend with Drag performances and DJs spinning the 90s and early 2000s tunes. Bring your chokers, tease your bangs and get into the grooves of this camp night of fun.
As with many Loki events in the past, this event is designed for people to come together, dance and have fun in a judgement free zone. Loki parties are usually a ‘tops off’ environment. Shirtless is, of course, preferred, but it isn’t mandatory.
Divine Intervention – Gyðjukvöld / Goddess Night @ Kiki!
When: Thursday August 8
Time: Doors open 20:00, starts 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK (Part of admission goes to Iceland-Palestine)
Goddess night is a night for goddesses and other deities. Performances by Vice Versa, Mía, Margrét Maack, Ruby La Queen, Adoré and Iceland’s queen of pop Sigga Beinteins. DJs between acts: Mellí&Mokk.
The performances are burlesque and circus based so you do not need to know Icelandic to enjoy. To top the night off there will be a special performance by Icelandic music icon Sigga Beinteins, who does sing in Icelandic but you don’t need to understand what she’s singing to appreciate her greatness.
Drag Me to Pride – Show
When: Friday August 9
Time: 20:00
Where: Gamla Bío, Ingólfsstræti 2a, 101 Reykjavík.
Cost: 8.900 ISK
In the past years, a huge Drag Extravaganza has become a regular occurrence during Reykjavík Pride and 2024 is no exception. Prepare to be dazzled by RuPaul’s Drag Race megastars JuJubee and Raja! These magnificent queens will take the stage with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and, talent, along with some of the most spectacular drag performers of Iceland; Agatha P, Chardonnay Bublée, Crisartista, Gloria Hole, Gógó Starr, Faye Knús, Lola Von Heart and Smokey Quartz the First. With choreography by Rebecca “Ondina” Hidalgo and hosted by the delightful Siggi Gunnars.
Reykjavík Pride Parade
When: Saturday August 10
Time: 14:00
Where: Parade starts at Tækniskólinn, next to Hallgrímskirkja church.
Cost: Free
The Reykjavík Pride Parade gets bigger and more fabulous every year. This year the parade will start at Tækniskólinn next to Hallgrímskirkja church. The parade will then march down Skólavörðustígur, Bankastræti, Lækjargata, and Fríkirkjuvegur where the parade concludes. The participants will continue to Sóleyjargata and into Hljómskálagarður where the Reykjavik Pride Closing Ceremony will take place.
Reykjavík Pride Parade Outdoor Concert/Fair
When: Saturday August 10
Time: 15:00 (following the parade) to 16:30
Where: Hljómskálagarðurinn (next to ‘the pond’ Tjörnin)
Cost: Free
The outdoor concert is where most people congregate after the pride parade. This is where audiences can enjoy the festivities and a free concert to celebrate Reykjavík Pride.
Bear Party
When: Saturday August 10
Time: 17:00 to 22:00
Where: Gym & Tonic, Kex hostel, Skúlagata 28, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 1.000 ISK (at the door) – Free for members of the Bears of Iceland.
After the parade and outdoor concert, the party doesn’t have to stop. The Bears of Iceland invite you to a party at Kex right after the Outdoor concert in Hljómskálagarður! This is the place to be if you want to stay festive and hang out with some local and international bears before the huge festivities of the night kick off later.
Food and drink are available to purchase on the night and all tickets receive a free beer or non-alcoholic drink with their entry. Members of the Bears of Iceland have free entry and if you’re not a member, you can become one at the party!
If you are a bear or not, everyone is welcome!
Páll Óskar’s – Party at Gamla Bíó
When: Saturday August 10
Time: 21:00 to 01:00
Where: Gamla Bío, Ingólfsstræti 2a, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 4.900 ISK (booking ahead is advised)
Gay Icelandic Pop Sensation and living legend Páll Óskar has been putting on a huge pride party show for years. This year is no exception. This year Páll is joined by special guest stars; Drag sensation CRISARTISTA and pop sensation TORFI.
The Official Reykjavík Pride Closing Party
When: Saturday August 10
Time: 21:00 to 03:00
Where: The Pride Centre, IÐNO (main hall), Vonarstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 2.000 ISK (online) 3.000 ISK (at the door)
Escape to the dance floor with the community at Reykjavík Pride’s closing party. DJ Sunna Ben will keep us on the dancefloor all night. From 11:00 pm until midnight, Sigga Beinteins and Grétar Örvarsson will also play all of their best songs.
This is a festive closing party, a space to let loose and enjoy being with our community on the dance floor.
Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78 (Samtök 78 Book Club) – The Left Hand of Darkness
When: Thursday August 15
Time: 20:00
Where: Samtökin ‘78, Suðurgata 3, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
For literary fans within the community, Iceland’s national queer organisation Samtökin 78 hosts a monthly book club open to all interested in getting together to discuss queer works of literature. This month’s book is Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.
Originally published in 1969, this science fiction novel follows a human native of Earth who is sent to persuade the people of another planet to join the confederation Earth is a part of. The protagonist of the novel is perplexed and hindered by the alien people who are ambisexual, with no fixed sex or gender.
The Left Hand of Darkness is considered to be one of the first ever novels in the feminist science fiction stories and is also praised as one of the most famous explorations of androgyny in the genre.
The book can be found in bookstores, libraries and online. Cake and coffee will also be provided.
Queer Situations – Queer Literary Festival
When: Thursday August 22 to Saturday August 24.
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: Check individual event information on the program.
Queer Situations is a literary festival that focuses on queer literature in more than one sense: books by authors who identify as queer, but also literature that falls outside the mainstream (which perhaps is constantly changing). This is the first festival of its kind in Reykjavík. It’s a celebration and exploration of both Icelandic and international queer literature. The festival boasts numerous events and panels at various venues around Reykjavík. It’s the perfect bookend to a huge month of queer fabulousness.
To see the full program, check out the official website. You can also check out a GayIceland interview with the festival organisers here.
Reykjavík Bear
When: Thursday August 29 to Sunday September 1.
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: Check individual event information on the program.
Born from the legendary spirit of the Bears on Ice festival, RVKBear emerged in 2019, thanks to the passion and dedication of a group of volunteers who believed the celebration should continue. In the heart of Reykjavík, a new chapter began with the formation of Bangsafélagið, or the Bears of Iceland, a non-profit organisation committed to nurturing and expanding a vibrant local bear community.
RVKBear isn’t just any festival; it’s an intimate gathering that offers an exclusive experience. Our event pass holders are treated to breathtaking nature tours, including visits to the Golden Circle and dipping in Iceland’s most famous geothermal lagoons, where the beauty of Iceland’s landscapes blends seamlessly with the joy of camaraderie. The festival is also packed with great parties every night and a variety of activities, ensuring every moment is filled with enjoyment and connection.
Check out the Official Website Here.