January in LGBTQ+ Iceland is a time of fresh beginnings, resilience, and community warmth amidst the winter chill. As the festive lights linger and the New Year’s fireworks fade, the month brings a mix of celebration, creativity, and reconnection. For Iceland’s LGBTQ+ community, January offers a chance to embrace the beauty of winter while fostering connection and inclusivity.
The New Year kicks off with vibrant events celebrating diversity, including drag shows, burlesque nights, and queer meetups that bring people together to share stories, performances, and joy.One highlight of the season is the annual Drag Market at Gaukurinn, where performers and enthusiasts gather to swap costumes, wigs, and accessories, fostering creativity and collaboration within the community. The event also provides a perfect opportunity to connect, network, and prepare for the year ahead.
January is also a time when locals get together to share in the enjoyment of live performances like drag, and musicals. There’s also a need for connection with other meet ups designed for uplifting members of the community and giving them a chance to meet like-minded people.
As the year begins, LGBTQ+ Iceland comes alive with events that inspire, entertain, and connect. With a calendar full of activities, January is the perfect time to embrace the warmth of the community against the backdrop of Iceland’s stunning winter landscapes.
Kikioke – Karaoke at Kiki!
When: Thursdays (January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30)
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.
Faye Knús Friday Drag Show at Kiki
When: Fridays (January 3, 10, 17, 24 &31)
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.
Heart Attack / The Forgotten Acts
When: Saturday January 4
Time: 21:00
Where: Kiki Queer Bar, Laugavegur 22, 101 RVK
Cost: 2.900 ISK (at the door)
The House of Heart kicks off 2025 with their monthly drag show, Heart Attack, featuring the theme “Forgotten Acts.” The evening will showcase performances inspired by one-hit wonders and quirky moments best left in the past, paired with the group’s signature humor and antics.
The lineup includes the House of Heart performers:
Lola Von Heart, the matriarch of the family
Chardonnay Bublée, the “cool mom”
Milo de Mix, known for winning the “Funniest Dad” award
Úlla la Delish, the youngest member of the house
A special guest, Jett Bent, will also join the stage, bringing a dynamic and captivating energy to the event.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with playful performances, creative surprises, and plenty of laughs. The show promises an unforgettable start to the new year.
Drag Swap & Meet Market
When: Thursday January 9
Time: 17:00-21:00
Where: Gaukurinn, Tryggvagata 22, 101 RVK
Cost: Free
Calling all drag and burlesque performers, fans, and enthusiasts of all things fabulous!
The annual Drag Market will be held at Gaukurinn, Reykjavik’s center for inclusivity and creativity.
This event invites attendees to bring glittering jackets, bold heels, costumes, and accessories to share, swap, or sell, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community in the drag and burlesque scene. Whether participants come to refresh their wardrobe or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the event promises a celebration of creativity and mutual support.
Highlights of the event include:
Swap and Shop: A chance to exchange and discover new items to refresh collections of costumes, wigs, makeup, and more.
Community Connection: An opportunity to network, make new acquaintances, and reconnect with others in the community.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Set in the welcoming environment of Gaukurinn, providing the ideal backdrop for an evening of creativity and camaraderie.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their items or simply join the gathering to celebrate the artistry and energy of this vibrant community.
Betra Seint en Aldrei – Better Late than Never
When: Sunday January 12
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.
Við erum hér – Nýr íslenskur söngleikur
When: Wednesday January 22 & Tuesday January 28
Time: 20:00
Where: Tjarnarbíó, Tjarnargata 12, 101 Reykjavík
Cost: 6.500 ISK
The Icelandic performing arts choir Viðlag invites you to the wedding of the year! Bjartmar and Arnar are finally tying the knot, and you’re invited to join their vibrant family and colorful friends. Við erum hér (“We Are Here”) is a humorous and heartfelt musical about love, joy, and the awkward moments that define Icelandic weddings, complete with complicated family dynamics, bold friends, and one groom who’s a total “Bridezilla.”
This new Icelandic musical features songs from both classic and modern musicals with fresh Icelandic lyrics. Gift cards for Við erum hér make a perfect Christmas present, easily purchasable on Tix, where you can choose tickets, pay, and receive the gift card by email.
Viðlag has gained a stellar reputation in Iceland’s choral and performing arts scene, staging original musicals and concerts inspired by the American Glee club tradition, where singing, acting, and dancing come together to tell beautiful and diverse stories.