July in LGBTQIA+ Iceland marks a continuation of the celebratory spirit that began in June, as the country remains awash with the brilliance of the summer sun. The enduring daylight casts a magical glow over Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, further invigorating the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate with unabated enthusiasm. July, with its warmer days and milder nights, transforms into a canvas of rainbows, inclusivity, and joyful gatherings, bridging the gap until the grand National Pride celebration in August.
In Reykjavik and beyond, July offers a plethora of events and activities that highlight the vibrancy of LGBTQIA+ life in Iceland. The city’s bustling streets and the tranquil charm of its coastal towns come alive with a spirit of acceptance and unity. As the influx of tourists continues, the atmosphere becomes even more inviting, fostering a sense of belonging for both visitors and locals.
Throughout July, the landscape is dotted with cultural festivities, social gatherings, and artistic expressions that celebrate the unique identity of LGBTQIA+ Iceland. The long, sunlit days provide ample opportunities to engage with the community, partake in memorable experiences, and bask in the inclusive and welcoming culture that defines this nation. Embrace the unending daylight, feel the warmth of Icelandic hospitality, and immerse yourself in the spirited and inclusive celebrations that July brings to LGBTQIA+ Iceland.
Queer Open Mic Comedy
When: Wednesday July 3
Time: 21:00
Where: Laugardalur Washing Pools
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 21:00.
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
Kikioke – Karaoke at Kiki!
When: Thursday July 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.
Apocalypstick – 3rd Birthday Extravaganza!
When: Friday July 5
Time: 21:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.500 ISK
One of the wildest drag shows in Iceland is back to celebrate its third birthday. Apocalypstick is a drag variety show that showcases the alternative drag scene in Iceland. They have been wowing and shocking audiences for three years now and it’s time to celebrate.
Prepare to experience glamour, filth and foolery, hosted by the TERRIBLE ‘Morning Star.’
Heart Attack! Drag at Kiki
When: Saturday July 6
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 chaotic fan favourite, Twinkle Starr
Q’s Queer Art Market 2024
When: Saturday July 6 and Sunday July 7
Time: 12:00-17:00
Where: IÐNO, Vonarstræti 3, Reykjavík
Cost: Free Entry
This is an art market curated by the queer student association. Entry to the market is free and the event is designed to showcase the queer art and artists available in the local area.
Artists who would like to get involved for this one or future events visit this link.
Betra Seint en Aldrei – Better Late than Never
When: Sunday July 7
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.
Raddir Regnbogans – Voices of the Rainbow – Community Event
When: Sunday July 14
Time: starts at 14:00
Where: outside Samtökin ‘78 – or inside if the weather is bad.
Cost: Free
Iceland’s national LGBTQ+ Organisation Samtökin ‘78 is hosting a summer community day called ‘Voices of the Rainbow.’ This is a chance for all people who are queer, allies or just nice and want to have a good time, to pop down to the S78 HQ to check out a clothing market, eat some cotton candy and many other fun things.
Bókaklúbbur Samtakanna ‘78 (Samtök 78 Book Club) – Ljósbrot
When: Thursday July 25
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 Ljósbrot by Ingileif Friðriksdóttur.
The book handles themes of sapphic love in the interweaving stories of Kolbrún, a successful businesswoman, and Dóra, a teen starting her first year in Menntaskóli. Ingileif is best known for her and her wife’s (María Rut Kristinsdóttir’s) initiative of the Instagram page Hinseginleikinn and Ingileif later hosted a TV series of the same name on RÚV.
Ingileif and María have previously published two children’s books under the name Úlfur and Ylfa.
The book can be found in all bookstores and libraries. We recommend reserving it at the library since it is in high demand. Unfortunately, it has not as of yet been translated into other languages or published as an audiobook.
Cake and coffee will also be provided.