February is often a month where things start to seem a little less bleak. The million weeks of January are behind us and the days begin to get longer, reminding us that there will, eventually, be some sun again. It’s a shorter month but still one that can pack a bit of fun if you happen to be in Iceland.
Iceland is still typically covered in snow for most of February and it’s still a month that has much more darkness than daylight. This is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to catch the famous Northern Lights. February is also one of the less crowded months of the year when it comes to tourists so loads of the popular tourist destinations are a little less crowded.
Because Icelanders know that February is still very much a winter month, they tend to plan events to stay entertained and connected to their local community and below, we’ve put together a guide to what’s on in LGBTQ+ Iceland for the month. So pull out your calendar and start making some plans.
60+ Hittingur/60+ Happy Hour at the Iceland Parliament Hotel
When: Wednesday February 14.
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Where: Iceland Parliament Hotel, Thorvaldsenstræti 2-6, 101 Reykjavík.
Cost: Buy your own drinks.
This event is put together by the National Queer Organisation of Iceland, Samtökin 78. The intention is to provide a space for gay, lesbian, bi, pansexual and trans people over 60 to mingle and chat with each other. Partners under 60 are welcome as well as those who will be turning 60 later this year. The venue is also wheelchair accessible.
Lóki Tops Off…. or Bottoms Party
When: Saturday February 17.
Time: 9pm to late.
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101, Reykjavík.
Cost: 1500 ISK, Tickets only sold at the door.
Age Restriction: This event is only open to those aged 20 and over.
Lóki is a party entertainment group that specialises in events for queer men. This ‘Tops Off’ party is a chance for men to come together and let themselves dance to the beat of their own drum (and some great tunes) in a judgement free zone. The dress code is ‘Express Yourself,’ so wear anything that makes you feel sexy and comfortable. Tops off welcomed but not obligatory, and this event will also feature a mainstay of Reykjkavík drag, Faye Knus!
Hump Day Social
When: Wednesday February 21
Time: 7pm to late
Where: Bingo Drinkery, Skólavörðustígur 8, 101, Reykjavík
Cost: Free entry, buy your own drinks.
Humpday social is a regular event that invites gay men to come and be social on a hump day (Wednesday). The basic idea is to provide an environment for gay men to shake off the mid-week blues by socialising with their brethren. The event is open to any gay men who would like to meet, catch up with or hang out with other members of the community in Reykjavík. Couples, singles, alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers are all welcome. The event changes venues so it’s also a great chance to see some of the incredible venues the city has to offer. Occasionally the group receives special discounts or extended happy hours for their events so be sure to join their facebook group to stay up to date.
Samtökin 78 Book Club – Fellow Travellers (Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ’78)
When: Thursday February 22.
Time: 8pm.
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík.
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 subject is a bit of a book/tv crossover as the subject ‘Fellow Travellers.’ This is currently an 8 episode limited series produced by Showtime and starring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey. It is based on a 2007 historical fiction novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon. The story focuses on the lives and struggles of two gay men in the early 1950s during the McCarthy era of Washington.
All are welcome to participate if they have seen the book or the series.
Ya-Ha-Hass Queen Drag Comedy Show
When: Saturday February 24.
Time: 8pm to late.
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 2500 ISK (available at the door)
This drag-stravaganza is aimed at tickling your funny bone. If you’re a fan of comedy and like a bit of glitter and all the things that come along with a sickening drag show, this event is for you. The evening will kick off at 8pm with a special live performance of the local drag, punk-rock band, ‘The Gender Benders.’ Then at 9pm, the funniest drag artists in town will take to the stage bringing a mix of stand-up, sketch comedy and hilarious lip syncs that might even make you pee a little.
Variety Open Mic Night
When: Monday February 26.
Time: 9pm to late.
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101, Reykjavík.
Cost: Free.
If you fancy yourself an aspiring comedian, musician, poet or performer of any kind, this event is waiting for you to take to the stage and show people what you’ve got. While this event isn’t specifically billed as queer, the organisers and venue have a history of creating queer friendly events. If you’re not interested in performing and would love to just come check out some free local entertainment of the variety kind, come on down and bring some friends. Get in early for the best seats and don’t miss Gaukurinn’s happy hour from 8pm.
