June ushers in a vibrant chapter in the LGBTQ+ calendar in Iceland, as the country bathes in the extended daylight of the summer solstice.
The (usual) warmth of the sun invigorates both the land and its people, casting a glow over Iceland’s stunning landscapes and energising the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate with renewed zeal. Amidst the lush greenery and picturesque vistas, June becomes a month of rainbows, inclusivity, and colourful celebrations. Although Iceland’s National Pride celebration doesn’t actually take place till August there are still many queer events happening around the place.
From the dynamic streets of Reykjavik to the serene beauty of coastal towns, June provides a multitude of opportunities to engage with the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ life. As the tourist season peaks, the spirit of openness and camaraderie blossoms, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. Icelandic queer communities, renowned for their creativity and unity, host an impressive array of events, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all.
As June unfolds, so too does the promise of unforgettable festivities and special events. Embrace the long days, soak in the radiant energy of the midnight sun, and immerse yourself in the vibrant and inclusive culture that defines LGBTQAI+ Iceland in June.
Grill-zzly Pride Month BBQ
When: Saturday June 1
Time: 14:00 to 18:00
Where: Laugardalur Washing Pools
Cost: 500 ISK or Free for Banssafélagið members.
Come celebrate the kick off of Pride month by having a hotdog BBQ with the bears of Bansafélagið. The bear group of Iceland will provide the hotdogs, dressings and non-alcoholic drinks; all you have to do is show up with an appetite and the mood to mingle. Guests are invited to BYOB if they would like some alcoholic drinks. The event is 500kr or is free for group members.
Special Book Night Event – Ljósbrot & Mennska
When: Wednesday June 5
Time: 20:00
Where: Salka Bookstore, Hverfisgata 89-93, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
It’s summer book week and as part of this, Slaka Bookstore is hosting a very special event to celebrate two new book releases by local writers. The two books are Ljósbrot by Ingileif Friðriksdóttir and Mennska by Bjarni Snæbjörnsson.
All are welcome. As this is the celebration of two works of Icelandic literature, this event will most likely be prominently in Icelandic.
Heart Attack! Drag at Kiki
When: Saturday June 8
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK (available 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.
This month’s performers are:
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?)
And this month they are also joined by the genderbending and wild Mr. Mrs. Rammstücklein!
Betra Seint en Aldrei – Better Late than Never
When: Sunday June 9
Time: 15:00
Where: Suðurgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cost: Free
This is a special afternoon dedicated to women who came out late. In the event description the group have stated:
If you came out late and would like to meet other women who share your experience, come along to Samtökin 78 for an afternoon meeting.
Viðlag í Hörpuhorni / Chorus at Harpa
When: Sunday June 9
Time: 15:00 -15:30
Where: Harpa Concert Hall, second floor, south of the elevators.
Cost: Free
The Icelandic choir ‘Viðlag’ is presenting a selection of songs from their scheduled performance later this year. This small concert will give audiences a taste of their future show. They will perform songs from well-known musicals with revised lyrics to celebrate queerness and love.
Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78 (Samtök 78 Book Club) – Mennska
When: Thursday June 13
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 the recently published ‘Mennska’ by Bjarni Snæbjörnsson, Bjarni will also be a special guest.
Mennska is a memoir that explores the story of Bjarni growing up as a gay man in rural Iceland. The book takes an intimate look at the challenges and experiences he faced in this part of the country as well as his experiences travelling the world. The book looks deeply at the themes of shame and self-acceptance. Bjarni is best known for his autobiographical musical Good morning, Faggi which has toured across the country.
The book is available in all bookstores and libraries (it is recommended to reserve it at the library since it is in high demand). Unfortunately, it has not been translated as of yet.
Reykjavík Fringe Festival
When: Monday 17 June to Sunday 23 June
Time: Various
Where: Various
Cost: Various
The Reykjavík Fringe Festival is a seven day arts festival that showcases local talent and also invites international guests to inject the world’s most northern capital city with some summer art. The festival plays host to numerous art performances, stand up comedy shows, cabarets, drag shows, art exhibitions, workshops and so much more.
The festival kicks off with the opening party on June 17 and closes with the annual RVK Fringe Awards Ceremony on June 23.
There is literally something for everyone in the Fringe so check out the complete guide and book your tickets today.
What is Kink? Baby Please Hurt Me @RVKFringe
When: Wednesday June 19
Time: 18:30-19:30
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 RVK.
Cost: 3.000 ISK
Stand-up comedian “Sparkle” and musician/gimp “Aspen the Puppy” are going to teach you about BDSM through comedy and copious amounts of parody songs.
In this educational BDSM musical, the duo(+band) aims to dispel rumours and teach safe practices while also making you laugh.
Plenty of people have fantasies they think are too out there to ever fulfil or even bring up to the people they love. This show is about saying “screw that, we should get to live open and free.”
This show is part of the Reykjavík Fringe Festival.
House of Heart: A Drag Saga
When: Friday June 21
Time: 20:30
Where: Tjarnarbíó, Tjarnargata 12, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 4.900 ISK
Another RVK Fringe event you should definitely check out is a one-of-a-kind drag show, created by the legendary local drag troupe, ‘House of Heart.’ Key players in the Reykjavík drag scene, they have graced all the main stages in the city through the last few years – from divey bars to the big stage of Reykjavík Pride.
“House of Heart: The Drag Saga” is where theatre and drag meet in pure confusion – an epic story, filled with glamour, laughter and stupidity! Through the glittery lens of drag, you will learn all about the drag family House of Heart, about their good, their bad, and even their battle against evil forces.
Lola von Heart, Chardonnay Bublée, Milo de Mix and Úlla la Delish invite you into their little world, for one night only. There will be classic and not-so-classic drag acts, dancing, music, and of course a lot of silly jokes. You do not want to miss this feast!
The House of Heart is not only a drag troupe but a close-knit group of friends who love creating art together. Their use of the terms “House” and “drag-family” are a respectful nod to queer culture and the legacy of ballroom, and the Hearts always bring the values of community and queer joy to their shows.
Pride Flag Stand Up at RVKFringe
When: Sunday June 23rd
Time: 17:15-18:15
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 RVK.
Cost: 2.500 ISK
Anyone who has been around queer circles knows that there are so many different flags and sometimes it can be confusing to understand which is which and why they are important. Local artist and comedian Sindri “Sparkle” Freyr is bringing all of this together in their most colourful stand up special so far. In this show, Sindri will bring together the history and importance of these special symbols complete with laughs that gets to the nitty gritty of more than 30 different flags.
Vesturland Queer Festival
When: Thursday June 27 – Sunday June 30
Time: Begins June 27 @ 16:00- closed June 30 @ 20:00
Where: Borgarbraut, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland
Cost: Free
Reykjavík has its own pride festival in August but the western part of Iceland has its own local pride festival that will be taking place for the fourth year this month.
The highlight of this year’s festival will be the Saturday with many events and an entertainment program planned. So if you want to get out of the city and experience the pride of the west, come check it out.
Hinsegin Kvenna/Kvár Kokteilakvöld – Queer Women/Non-Binary Cocktail Night
When: Friday June 28
Time: 18:00
Where: Valkyrjan Bistro & Bar, Skipholt 19, 105 Reykjavík
Cost: Free Entry, buy your own drinks.
Valkyrjan Bistro and Bar are inviting all Queer and NB women or a cocktail evening. Come check out this great bistro and bar and enjoy great atmosphere and refreshments with other Queer and NB women.
To celebrate the night, Valkyrjan is offering guests of this event 2-for-1 on all cocktails. This is the perfect opportunity to come sample the flavours available and hang out with friends or meet new people from the community.
Valkyrjan is also vegan and wheelchair accessible!