August is serving full rainbow realness in Iceland. Pride week is here, and Reykjavík is about to explode with drag, DJs, parades, parties, and pure queer chaos (the good kind).
You’ve got everything from all‑ages rainbow family fun and wild roller‑disco nights to deep‑dive talks, art shows that hit you right in the feels, and of course, the Pride Parade that shuts down the city in the best way possible. Outside the capital, East Iceland is throwing its own Pride bash, and at the end of the month the bears take over with Reykjavík Bear Festival – spa days, sightseeing, and plenty of fur‑friendly fun. Basically, August is the month to be loud, be proud, and be out until way past your bedtime.
Exhibition | FAMILY PORTRAIT: Behind Glitter and Blood
When: Throughout August
Time: Open till Close
Where: Iðnó Pride Center – Upper Floor
Cost: Free
This exhibition by photographer Magdalena Lukasiak is an intimate and powerful portrait of the queer community — a story of chosen families, resilience, performance, and everyday moments. It captures drag queens and showgirls both in the spotlight and behind the scenes, revealing beauty, vulnerability, and strength.
This project is also a form of artistic activism.
It includes artist testimonies — personal stories and lived experiences of performers who use their art and presence to fight for the rights and visibility of marginalized communities.
No music. No filters. Just images. Just people.
Heart Attack – Pride Edition
When: Saturday August 2
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK (at the door)
HEART ATTACK is a monthly drag show, hosted by the drag family House of Heart!
This month the house is bringing the summer fun to Kiki!
Performing are the HOUSE OF HEART:
Lola Von Heart (The Matriarch)
Chardonnay Bublée (She’s a cool mom)
Milo de Mix (Funniest dad award winner)
Úlla la Delish (Is she still just a baby?)
With Special Guest Jenny Purr.
Out of the Shadows/Back Lash: Two Exhibitions at the Museum of Húsavík
When: Monday to Saturday (till August 13)
Time: The museum is open Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-14
Where: Safnahúsið The Húsavík Museum, Stórigarður 17, Húsavík, Iceland
Cost: Entry to the Museum is 2.200 ISK
Two powerful exhibitions take over the ground floor of Húsavík’s Culture House this summer. Out of the Shadows brings queer lives and stories into the light, showcasing experiences that have too often been hidden or ignored. Its companion exhibition, Back Lash, takes on the rising tide of anti-queer sentiment with defiance and artistry – confronting backlash head-on through bold visual work and installation.
Curated by Nicola van Kuilenburg, the exhibitions explore queer identity across time, space, and resistance. Visitors are encouraged to wear rainbow colours, show solidarity, and engage deeply with these timely, necessary works.
Queer AA Meeting
When: Sundays (August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31)
Time: 13:00
Where: Gula húsið, Tjarnargata 20, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
This is a special Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that is dedicated to members of the queer community. The meeting is in Icelandic.
Opening of Reykjavík Pride 2025
When: Tuesday August 5
Time: 12:00pm
Where: Reykjavík City Hall
Cost: Free
Reykjavík Pride 2025 will officially open on Tuesday, August 5 at 12:00 PM. The event marks the beginning of one of the most vibrant and joyful weeks of the year, featuring a diverse program celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, culture, and visibility.
Everyone is welcome!
Opening Ceremony of the Youth Pride Program (13-19 years)
When: Tuesday August 5
Time: 14:00-16:00
Where: Pride Center (Lower Floor)
Cost: Free
Come celebrate with us as we officially open the Reykjavík Pride youth program!
This event is specially for young people aged 13-19. We can’t wait to kick off the festival with joy and style!
Roller Skate Party (13-19 years) – Youth Pride Event
When: Tuesday August 5
Time: 19:30-22:00
Where: Hjólaskautahöllin, Sævarhöfða 33
Cost: Free
Come and have a blast roller skating with music, lights, and a fantastic atmosphere! This event is especially for young people aged 13-19. If you’ve never skated before, don’t worry; everyone is welcome to try and pride volunteers will be there to assist you.
Register Here to Take Part
Reykjavik Pride Opening Ceremony
When: Tuesday August 5
Time: 20:00
Where: Sjálfstæðissalurinn, Icelandic Parliament Hotel
Cost: 3.900 ISK
It’s time for Reykjavík’s annual queer family reunion, a radiant celebration of freedom and togetherness!
Join us at Sjálfstæðissalurinn, located in the Icelandic Parliament Hotel. Doors open at 7 PM, and the program begins at 8 PM with a vibrant mix of performances to ignite the spirit of Pride and set the tone for an unforgettable week.
We’ll wrap up the evening dancing together, filled with joy, love, and anticipation for the days to come.
Pride Opening Ceremony Afterparty at Kiki
When: Tuesday August 5
Time: 21:00-01:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
Kiki will host the afterparty after Pride’s Opening Ceremony and will keep the celebrations going! Perfect warmup for the rest of Pride!
Dance, Joy and Glitter! DJ Sóley Bjarna takes over the dancefloor with all the queerest hits!
Rainbow Family Festival
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Where: Pride Center (Lower Floor)
Cost: Free
Reykjavík Pride warmly invites you to a fun-filled program for children of all ages. We’ll have special activities just for the kids, including balloon art and face painting. And to make things even sweeter, ice cream will be served for everyone! This is a fantastic chance for queer families to connect, play, and share a joyful time together.
We hope to see as many rainbow families as possible!
Trans Iceland’s Pride BBQ
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 16:30-18:30
Where: Klambratún
Cost: Free
On Wednesday, August 6, during the Reykjavík Pride week, Trans Iceland will host its annual barbecue at Klambratún.
The BBQ will start at 16:30. Trans Iceland will provide guests with food and drinks (including vegan options) but if anyone has special requests for food, they are welcome to bring their own.
Skammarþríhyrningurinn – opið samtal við hinsegin samfélagið
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 17:00 – 18:00
Where: Pride Center (Upper Floor
Cost: Free
This performance will be in Icelandic.
NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14
Theatre group Stertabenda presents a new play this fall at Borgarleikhúsið (The Reykjavík City Theatre), titled Skammarþríhyrningurinn (The Triangle of Shame). During Reykjavík Pride, the group will offer the queer community a glimpse into their creative process and an open discussion about the themes of the work.
About The Triangle of Shame:
The play is set in a distant future. The culture war is over: gender autonomy, queer rights, and women’s liberation are things of the past. The backlash has achieved its ultimate goal.
In this imagined alternate reality, at the dimmer end of the rainbow, a group of specialists hosts the grand opening of a museum chronicling the dark era of political correctness we are currently living through. Their task is a difficult one: all the books have been burned, all sources erased, and human diversity beyond strict binaries has been banned and censored out of history.
We follow this group as they attempt to reconstruct a picture of the once-upon-a-time human rights paradise that was Iceland—and answer some pressing questions. What on earth was Pride? How did J.K. Rowling save the women’s restroom from the global rape cult? What kind of tea did so-called drag queens drink? Where did the indoctrination of children take place? And who exactly was Hán?
Queer Run Club
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Where: Departing from the Pride Center
Cost: Free
Pride run with Styrmir’s queer run club!
Styrmir’s run club meets every Wednesday at 17:30. Our sessions are tailored to each individual’s ability, so everyone can find their own rhythm and enjoy the company of other queer runners, regardless of running experience.
For Reykjavík Pride, we’ll meet outside the Pride Centre at Iðnó and jog a relaxed 4-5 km loop through the city centre. A great opportunity to get to know the run club and shake out the legs for the parade. Everyone is welcome!
Make a difference! – Interactive Workshop
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 18:30-20:30
Where: The Office of Amnesty International, Þingholtsstræti 27
Cost: Free
Amnesty International’s Youth Movement welcomes the human rights lawyer and legend Dr. Senthorun Raj, who has fought for LGBTQ+ rights, both in glitter at Pride events and in a suit in the administration.
Young people are invited to attend this interactive workshop with the lovely Sen and learn how to fight for LGBTIQ+ rights through rights advocacy and organizing Pride events. Following this, there will be sign-making for the Amnesty International float in the Pride Parade and guests of the human rights workshop are welcome to join the float and support human rights.
Follow the Event Link and Click on “Get Tickets” to register for the workshop
Icelandic Queer Film Festival Program reveal and a free screening of A House Is Not A Disco!
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 18:30 – 21:30
Where: Bíó Paradís
Cost: Free
The Icelandic Queer Film Festival will be held for the first time on the 4th – 7th of September.
In honor of Pride, the festival program will be announced followed by a special free screening of the documentary A House Is Not A Disco!
There will be light refreshments on offer after the screening!
18:30 – The venue opens
19:00 – Program reveal followed by the screening of A House is not a Disco
“A House Is Not A Disco” documents a year-in-the-life in the world’s most iconic “homo-normative” community: Fire Island Pines. Situated fifty miles from New York City, this storied queer beach town finds itself in the midst of a renaissance as a new generation of Millennial homeowners reimagine The Pines for a new, more inclusive era. Filmed like a Wiseman movie on magic mushrooms, a large cast of unforgettable eccentrics, activists, drifters and first-timers reflect on the legacy of The Pines while preparing their beloved village for the biggest challenge it has faced since the AIDS crisis: rising seas caused by climate change.
Young Queer Voices – Music Event
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 19:00-20:00
Where: Pride Center (Lower Floor)
Cost: Free
Come and experience the power of queer youth at this music event, specifically for young people aged 15-20. Here, they’ll get the chance to take the stage and make their voices heard.
Get ready for diverse and exciting performances that promise fantastic entertainment!
Registration for performers (15-20 years of age) is here.
Putting the Joy in Joystick: Reykjavík Pride 2025 – POSTPONED
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 20:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.000 ISK at the door
Porn! Since the dawn of testosterone man has ‘jerked it’. Yet, due to advances in modern technology, jerking it has never been more complicated.
‘Putting the Joy in Joystick’ is a comedic semi-academic and semi-tasteful introduction into the world of porn video games and online incel culture. Joy analyzes, mocks, and critiques various porn video games and reflects on her own standing as both a video game player and a member of the queer community. A show so academically stimulating that you’ll be titillated, flaccid, and howling with laughter.
Queer Quiz and Cocktails
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 20:00-00:00
Where: SKÝ Lounge & Bar, Ingólfsstræti 1, 101 Reykjavík,
Cost: Free
The quiz kicks off at 8 PM and is totally free to join, with amazing prizes up for grabs.
Grétar Matthíasson, multiple Icelandic cocktail champion, will introduce a special Pride cocktail, available throughout Pride week at the following Center Hotels bars: SKÝ Lounge & Bar, Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar, Ísafold Lounge & Bar and Plaza Bar.
Happy Hour from 20:00 – 23:00.
The Birdcage Quiz
When: Wednesday August 6
Time: 21:00-22:30
Where: Brewdog Reyjavik
Cost: Free
Brewdog would like to celebrate a great movie along with a great cast on the week of pride! The Birdcage Quiz will be fun along with amazing prizes to be won! Deals on drinks as well as a special cocktail list available all week!
Rainbow Conference
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 09:30-17:30
Where: Iðnó
Cost: Free
At the heart of Reykjavík Pride lies the Rainbow Conference, where we dive deeper into the issues that matter to the queer community in Iceland and beyond. This is a space where diverse voices, experiences, and visions come together in conversation, listening, and fresh thinking.
Among those taking the stage are activists, scholars, advocates, and individuals who have helped shape the landscape of queer rights—people from here and around the world.
Who’s speaking?
We can’t reveal too much just yet… but we can promise you this:
This is an event you won’t want to miss.
Pink Iceland – Queer City Walk | Pride Edition
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 13:00-16:00
Where: Pink Iceland Office Skólavörðustígur 16, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 10.000 ISK
Discover how and where gay history in Reykjavík began, how the battle for equality has evolved through the years and where we are at now. See the venues frequented by LGBTQIA+ people throughout the years and learn about the general history and outlook of the people who built Reykjavík and those who inhabit it today.
QUEER READS
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 17:30-19:30
Where: Pride Center (Lower Floor)
Cost: Free
The literary event “Queer Reads” has been a popular event at Reykjavík Pride. Literature, especially queer literature, is the best soul food. Authors of various genders take the stage and read from their published and unpublished works and the results of Reykjavík Pride Poetry Competition 2025 will be announced.
Drag Bingo
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 18:00-20:30
Where: Aðalstræti 4-6, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free entry, pay for bingo cards.
Doors open at 6 PM. Bingo cards will be sold on-site. 1 card for 1000 ISK or 3 cards for just 2000 ISK. All proceeds go directly to support Samtökin ´78, Iceland’s LGBTQIA+ organization. Fabulous prizes up for grabs!
The amazing Michy (MeShe), a 5000-year-old drag queen who has seen and done it all, will be hosting the event. She still holds the title of Iceland’s sexiest drag queen from Miss Drag Iceland in 2010!
Drop by, grab a card and test your luck – See yah there
Kikioke – Karaoke at Kiki!
When: Thursdays (August 7, 14, 21, 28)
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.
Lifandi Fimmtudagur: Pride Edition (Free music event)
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 18:00
Where: Laugavegur 120, 105 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
This is a special Pride Live Music Thursday. Multi-genre performer & singer-songwriter Ondina, accompanied by musician/ multi- instrumentalist Monace and vocalist Leisha, will vibe you into Reykjavík Pride weekend with a wide selection of cover songs by Queer artists, iconic anthems, and some originals.
The three performers are all Queer women of immigrant backgrounds who have called Iceland home for many years and are artists with a love for music and community.
The event is Free and there will be happy hour during the show.
Fatherhood/Three Fathers – Documentary Screening Presented by Trans Island for Reykjavík Pride
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 19:00
Where: Bíó Paradís
Cost: 2190 ISK
This is a documentary about Three Norwegian men who are expecting their first child. Kristopher, David, and Sindre are all in their early 30s and live together in a multi-partner relationship. Kristopher is the birth father, and together they’re about to face the everyday challenges in the extraordinary experience of establishing a family. Are they ready for what awaits them?
Kósi Kvöld Ása og Óróa / Cosy Evening with Ace and Aro (open house)
When: Monday August 11
Time: 20:00
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cost: Free
Ace & Aro Iceland is an interest and activism association for asexual and aromantic people in Iceland as well as all the subgroups. The purpose of the association is that everyone under the ace umbrella will become recognized and enjoy the full rights in Icelandic society. The association intends to achieve its goals by increasing visibility through education and collaborating with similar organizations, groups, and enthusiasts in Iceland and abroad that aim for the same goals.
This is an open house event intended to allow a space for those who would like to know more about the work that Ace and Aro are doing to come along and get the low down on all that’s happening.
Event Link
LOKI Pride Party
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 20:00-01:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK
Drag, DJ’s, skin… just what you expect from a LOKI event. Shirtless is always preferred but not mandatory! The raunch-ier, the better!
Pride Dykes Party
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 20:00-23:00
Where: Loft Hostel
Cost: Free
After the success of Summer Dykes, we are bringing the vibe back, this time with a Pride flair. The call for queer women’s spaces has been strong, and Pride Dykes is our way of accommodating that.
Dyke is not a term of exclusion but one of celebration. It is about lesbians, the love of lesbians, and queerness in all its forms. It is a word that challenges the gender system and narrow definitions of womanhood. Nonbinary dykes are especially welcome. We also warmly welcome queer folks who may not personally identify with the word Dyke but feel at home in the community it brings together.
Cis men are not invited to Pride Dykes.
Make your sign for the Pride Parade!
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 20:00-23:00
Where: Vorstjarnan – Bolholti 6, 105 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
Let’s get excited for Saturday by making a sign for the Pride Parade!
Everyone is welcome to Vorstjarnan where you can get inspired by the sweet tunes of Dj Lexí Líndal.
Materials on site while supplies last, but you can also bring your own materials and use our facilities.
Drag Stand-up
When: Thursday August 7
Time: 21:00-23:00
Where: Stúdentakjallarinn
Cost: Free
This is a special Drag Stand Up Comedy event Featuring:
Sindri Sparkle
Twitchy Love
Joy
Lovísa
Briefs: Dirty Laundry
When: Thursday August 7 & Friday August 8
Time: 20:00 (Aug 7) 21:00 (Aug 8)
Where: Tjarnarbíó
Cost: 9.900 ISK
The exclusively inclusive, multi-award winning, world-wide (ethical) glitter bombing Briefs Factory is coming to Reykjavík for Pride! The troupe is on a world tour and will come to Iceland after an extensive UK tour where they will for example entertain the masses at Glastonbury.
Dirty Laundry is a down-and-dirty mixture of drag, boylesque, street politics and circus skills, all delivered with a smirk and a big sloppy kiss.“
The shows will take place in the legendary art theater Tjarnarbíó that has been a long supporter of the fringe and queer performance arts.
Brought to you by Kiki Queer Bar, Reykjavík Pride, Center Hotels, Vesen Backstage, Kjallarakabarett and Tjarnarbíó
Litrófan Art Market – Pride Edition
When: Friday August 8
Time: 12:00-16:30
Where: Grófin, Borgarbókasafn
Cost: Free
Join us at Litrófan, a queer and neurodiverse art market held for the second time at the Reykjavík City Library (Grófin)!
Litrófan is an art market where creativity, diversity, and personal expression thrive in a safe and accessible space.
A wide range of talented artists will be showcasing and selling their work,from stickers, paintings, and handmade crafts to jewelry, woodwork, clothing, and more!
Come be part of a celebration that honors artistic talent, community, and people exactly as they are!
Fortune Feimster Taking Care of Biscuits
When: Friday August 8
Time: 20:30
Where: Háskólabíó
Cost: 9.950 ISK
The one and only Fortune Feimster needs no introduction—comedian, actress, stand-up sensation, icon—you name it! Fortune is currently touring with her hilarious show Taking Care of Biscuits, and now Reykjavík Pride is thrilled to bring her all the way to Iceland for one unforgettable night.
But she won’t be lighting up the stage alone—local comedy gems Sóley Kristjáns and Sindri Sparkle will be kicking off the evening in style, making sure the laughter starts from the very first moment.
Please note: This event is 18+ only.
Faye Knús Friday Drag Show at Kiki
When: Fridays (August 8,15,12 & 29)
Time: Doors open 20:00, show starts 21:30
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 1.500 ISK (tickets on the door only), entry is free for VIQ-Card holders.
Kiki’s resident drag queen AKA “the hardest working woman in show business,” Faye Knús (body of a dancer, voice of your father) hosts an evening of drag, comedy, mid-life crisis and acts that cannot be unseen. It’s the perfect way to start your evening and the rest of your life.
Reykjavik Pride Parade
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 14:00-15:00
Where: Hallgrímskirkja-Hljómskálagarður
Cost: Free
The 2025 Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, August 9. The parade will depart from Hallgrímskirkja punctually at 2:00 PM.
The set-up for the parade is at Tækniskólinn next to Hallgrímskirkja church. The parade marches 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.
Outdoor Concert at Hljómskálagarður
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 15:00-16:30
Where: Hljómskálagarður
Cost: Free
Once the Pride Parade has run its course, we invite everyone to an outdoor concert in Hljómskálagarður park.
Performers include well known Icelandic and International singers, dancers and entertainers. The Pride Parade and introductions to its participants will be live streamed on a screen in Hljómskálagarður Park from 2:00 pm.
Join us for an afternoon of music and spectacle! An accessibility platform for wheelchair users will be located in the park.
The Bears of Iceland present: Pride party 2025!
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 17:00-22:00
Where: SKY Bar Reykjavík
Cost: 2.000 ISK
The fun doesn’t need to stop! The Bears of Iceland invite you to a party at Ský Bar Reykjavík right after the Outdoor concert in Hljómskálagarður! We will keep the fun going and also chill out with good bears until the night’s parties start up in the evening!
Are you not a bear and you want to attend? You are most welcome! Everyone is welcome!
Paul Oscar’s Pride Party @ Gamla Bíó
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 21:00-01:00
Where: Gamla Bíó
Cost: 5.900 ISK
The fabulous Paul Oscar keeps the dancefloor jumpin’ at this Pride party @ Gamla Bíó saturday august 9th. Special guest stars: Drag sensation CRISARTISTA, pop sensation TORFI and drag legends LADY BUNNY & SHERRY VINE from New York. Every single hard earned Icelandic króna goes into both making this Gamla Bíó ball and Paul’s float in the parade possible. Get your tickets now. Tomorrow it might be too late.
The Official Reykjavík Pride Closing Party
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 22:00-03:00
Where: Iðno
Cost: 2.50o ISK (online) 3.500 ISK (at the door)
Escape to the dance floor with the community at Reykjavík Pride’s closing party.
The amazing Siggi Gunnars and Ragga Hólm will DJ, with Siggi Gunnars opening the show and Ragga Hólm closing it, they will keep us dancing all through the night! A queer circus and drag royalty Sherry Vine will perform as well as the legendary Margrét Rán (RÁN).
This is a festive closing party, a space to let loose and enjoy being with the community on the dance floor.
10:00 PM Siggi Gunnars
10:45 PM Sherry Vine
11:45 PM Enter Serenity
00:30 AM Ragga Holm
Stöðvarfjörður Pride (East Iceland)
When: Saturday August 9
Time: 10:00
Where: Petra’s Stone Collection
Cost: Free Entry
Let’s celebrate Pride together at Petra’s Stone Collection. Coffee and treats from Kaffibrennslan Kvörn and Brauðdagar Deighúsið. Stone painting, special offers at Kaffi Sunnó, a burst of colour, and a festive atmosphere all day long. The festival is sponsored by Strong Stöðvarfjörður.
Drag Race Pub Quiz hosted by Miss Mandy Licious
When: Wednesday August 13
Time: 20:00
Where: Bird, Naustin, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: Free
Grab your best Judys and Squirrel Friends and head on down to Bird to test your Drag Race knowledge with this pub quiz that couldn’t be more on point than the tone Willam was referring to.
Reykjavík Bear Festival
When: August 28 – August 31
Time: Various
Where: Various
Cost: Various
Reykjavík Bear Festival, also known as RVKBear, is an annual queer event held in ReykjavíkIt’s a weekend-long gathering for bears, admirers, friends, and queer community members.
RVKBear 2025 kicks off with a lively welcome party at Petersen Svítan before diving into a weekend that blends Iceland’s natural wonders with queer community fun. Highlights include soaking in the Hvammsvík Hot Springs, touring the Golden Circle’s geysers and waterfalls, unwinding at the oceanside Sky Lagoon, and partying into the night at the Friday Top‑Off celebration. This year also introduces the first‑ever Mr. Reykjavík Bear contest, adding a playful competitive edge to the festivities. The weekend wraps up with a farewell brunch, and for those who want to linger, an optional trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon ensures the festival ends on a high note.
Event Link