March is a month of transition in queer Iceland. As the winter gradually loosens its grip, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The days are perceptibly longer, promising the imminent return of sunlight and warmth. Despite the lingering chill and sporadic snow, March holds its own charm for those visiting or residing in Iceland.
While snow may still cloak much of the landscape, March marks the beginning of a gradual thaw. It’s a time when the country emerges from its winter hibernation, awakening to the promise of spring. For LGBTQ+ people, this transitional period offers a unique opportunity to experience Iceland’s queer scene in a distinct light.
March is an ideal time to explore the diverse LGBTQ+ events and gatherings across Iceland. From Reykjavik’s bustling queer events to intimate community gatherings in smaller towns, there’s something for everyone. As the tourist crowds begin to trickle in, it’s still possible to enjoy popular attractions without the summer rush.
Icelandic queer communities are known for their resilience and creativity, and March is no exception. Despite the lingering winter blues, there’s a vibrant array of events and activities to keep spirits high. Whether it’s theatre shows, comedy, meetings or lively social gatherings, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the local LGBTQ+ community.
As March unfolds, so too does the promise of brighter days ahead. It’s a time of transition, so grab your coat, embrace the crisp air, and join in the celebration of diversity, resilience, and community that defines LGBTQ+ Iceland in March.
… og hvað með það? (So what) / Theatre Show in Icelandic
The National Congress of Queer People in Iceland / Landsþing Hinsegin Fólks 2024
When: Friday March 8 to Saturday March 9
Time: Various
Where: Iðnó Culture House, Vonarstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Various
Event Link – The Congress
Event Link – The Party
The annual national congress of queer people in Iceland will be held at Iðno culture house beginning on Friday March 8. The congress will begin with the annual general meeting of Samtökin ‘78 on Friday morning. There will also be some other events throughout the two days and the whole thing finishes with a party called the Samtakaball!
Reykjavík Fringe Presents: Shelf and Marcel Lucont
When: Saturday March 9
Time: 20:00
Where: Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn (The basement theatre of the National Theatre of Iceland), Hverfisgata 19, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 3000kr
Reykjavík is home to a fringe festival that takes place in June but in the lead up to the main event, the organisers plan some treats for the people of Reykjavík to quench their artistic thirsts. This event is two incredible comedic shows for the price of one.
The first show is called ‘Shelf.’ Shelf are a dynamic comedy duo hailed by The Scotsman as “easy to fall in love with.” As the founders of the queer comedy collective, The LOL Word, Shelf brings a fresh, nuanced perspective to the stage. With their infectious camaraderie and seamless interaction with the audience, Shelf guarantees an evening packed with laughter and joy.
The second show will invite the audience to Indulge in the wit and charm of Marcel Lucont, the acclaimed UK-based French comedian. Known as a multi-award-deserving flâneur, raconteur, and bon-viveur, Marcel’s deadpan stand-up, world-class sex poetry, and bawdy chansons have taken the comedy scene by storm across Europe, Australasia, and America. With appearances on hit TV shows like Set List and Russell Howard’s Good News, Marcel is sure to leave you spellbound with his unforgettable performance.
Heart Attack! Drag at Kiki
When: Saturday March 9
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar
Cost: 2900 kr at the door
Heart Attack is a monthly drag show, hosted by the drag family House of Heart! This extravagant group of performers brings you a different show each month, filled with music, dance and laughter. This is one of the best ways to experience and support local drag so mark it in your calendars and bring a few bills to tip your kings and queens.
Queer Open Mic at Gaukurinn
When: Wednesday March 13
Time: 20:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
Step into the spotlight at the ‘Queer Open-Mic’ hosted by Sparkle, where the vibrant heart of the queer community beats loud and proud. This special event is a celebration of queer voices and talents across stand-up comedy, music, poetry, and more. It’s an inclusive platform where queer performers can shine, share, and connect in a space that champions diversity and creativity.
Sign up to dazzle the audience with your unique performance by contacting Sparkle, Twitchy Love, or simply by walking into Gaukurinn before the event kicks off at 20:00.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or ready to debut, ‘Queer Open-Mic’ is your opportunity to be part of an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, melodies, verses, and the undeniable strength of the queer community. Let your talent glow and contribute to a night that promises not just performances, but a celebration of queer identity and expression.
The Annual General Meeting of Q – Queer Student Association / Aðalfundur Q-félagsins
When: Saturday March 16
Time: 14:00
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
This is the annual general meeting of the Q – Queer Student Association. Anyone who is interested in looking back at a great year and would like a say in electing the new board for 2024-2025 is welcome.
Guests are asked to please register their attendance prior via this link.
The Annual General Meeting Agenda is:
The election of the meeting chair and secretary
Presentation of the annual report
Presentation of the reviews financial report
Motions
Election of Q’s president
Election of seven board members
Election of two financial reviewers
Any other business.
The meeting will be in both Icelandic and English. Any people who wish to run for a position on the board and nominate themselves via this link.
Flateyri Comes Out
When: Saturday March 16
Time: Starts at 13:00
Where: Vagninn Restaurant Flateyri, Hafnarstræti 19, Flateyri, Iceland.
Cost: Free Entry
If you happen to be in the quaint town of Flateyri in Iceland’s Westfjords region on Saturday March 16, you should make sure you head downtown to check out their very first winter pride. The festivities will kick off with a late brunch at the town’s pop up restaurant, “Bubbly.” There will also be some activities throughout the afternoon and the entire event will be topped off with Karaoke at Vaginn. If you’re Queer or an ally in the area, this is not an event to miss.
Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78 – Óskilamunir
When: Thursday March 21.
Time: 20:00
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. The subject of this month’s book club is Óskilamunir by Eva Rún Snorradóttir. Eva Rún Snorradóttir is an Icelandic poet and author. She is also a very talented theatre maker and is the writer and director of “Góða ferð inn í gömul sár” (roughly translated as “A Journey Into Old Wounds”), a play about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Iceland.
Eva’s book Óskilamunir is a collection of short stories and poems that are connected and explore the point of view of a middle-aged queer woman. Throughout the book the protagonist considers many aspects of her life within a heteronormative society while also discovering her own asexuality.
This event is open to anyone who has read the book or would like to be part of a discussion about it.
Drag Brunch with House of Heart
When: Saturday March 23
Time: 11:30-14:00
Where: Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar, Laugavegur 120, 105 Reykjavík
Cost: 8.500 kr per person
House of Heart proudly call themselves “Iceland’s stupidest drag family” and are known by locals for putting on shows that are packed with cheeky and sometimes silly fun. On this particular Saturday they’re taking on the old favourite that hasn’t been too common in Iceland, the good old “Drag Brunch.” This particular event is in support of Iceland’s national LGBTQ+ organisation, Stamtökin 78. 1000 kr from every brunch package will be donated to S78 along with additional raffle tickets sold throughout the event.
This is a great chance to support local drag, have a nice queer brunch and support a worthy cause all for a very reasonable price.
Each 8.500kr brunch package includes:
1 brunch plate from the brunch menu (click here to see the full brunch menu)
1 mimosa
1 raffle ticket
And best of all, an incredible drag performance by the House of Heart.
Sherry Vine – Smoke and Mirrors
When: Saturday March 23.
Time: 21:30
Where: Sólon Íslandus, Bankastræti 7a, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: online tickets 3.900kr; tickets at the door 4.500kr
Sherry Vine is a world-renowned drag queen and she’s no stranger to Iceland. Sherry is known for her musical parodies and has already visited the land of fire and ice in the past accompanying many of the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race including Bianca Del Rio and Alaska. This very special event is a celebration of Sherry turning… 60! That’s right she’s ushering in her sexagenarian era with a show that won’t disappoint. According to the event description:
The show includes NEW parodies of Kylie, Bruce Springsteen, ABBA, Broadway, Britney and more. Plus an homage to Judy Garland. Glamorous costumes, showgirl wigs, surprises and more! Catch Sherry’s new show… while you still can!
Hump Day Social
When: Wednesday March 27
Time: 7pm to late
Where: Apéro, Laugavegur 20b 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.