This week, we’re widening our scope and taking you beyond Reykjavík’s usual venues. In fact, plenty is happening in the neighbouring towns, so take a closer look at Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður. From Hamraborg Festival, which celebrates the local artistic community, to a cosplay gathering, look a little further afield, and you’ll find Iceland’s satellite towns are every bit as vibrant as the country’s capital.
Monday, 31 August
Hamraborg Festival, various venues in Kópavogur, 10.00–18.00
Reykjavík isn’t the only place where you can experience a lively programme of events. The neighbouring town of Kópavogur has plenty to offer, too. Its local artistic community is large enough to support a festival celebrating the genius loci — the distinctive spirit of the place.
The multi-day event wraps up on Friday, and weekdays are the best time to catch up with the visual arts programme. One of the highlights is Earth Fragments, a multimedia artwork that combines the artist’s interests in geology and electrical engineering. Ceramic sculptures form a landscape that moves and resonates as the pieces knock against one another.
Click here to find out more about the event.
Tuesday, 1 September
Snorkelling Between Continents in Silfra, 13.30
How about a refreshing dive in Silfra on the first day of the new season? Exploring the underwater world between two continents is a dream for many adventure seekers. During this tour organised by Troll.is, experienced divers will guide you through the fissure.
You’ll need a car to join this activity. Silfra Fissure is located in Þingvellir National Park, around 50 minutes from Reykjavík. If you don’t have a car, you can book a transfer through the official Troll.is website.
Click here to find out more about the event.
Wednesday, 2 September
Kizomba workshop at Komið og dansið in Mjódd, 18.00
Kizomba means ‘party’ in the Kimbundu language. The dance originated in Angola in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite its African origins, kizomba is danced to songs in Portuguese. Its sensual movements are reminiscent of bachata.
What better — or more unusual — way to celebrate the start of a new season in Iceland?
Click here to read more about the event.
Thursday, 3 September
Dead Sea Apple, Crush 30th Anniversary Show, Bæjarbíó, 20.00
Dead Sea Apple is one of Iceland’s venerable alternative rock collectives. Formed in 1992, the band released two albums, Crush and Second 1, in 1996 and 1998 respectively.
With their show in Hafnarfjörður, Dead Sea Apple are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the former. The critically acclaimed album will be performed in its entirety, much to the joy of their devoted fan base.
Click here to read more about the event.
Friday, 4 September
Heimar og Himingeimar, a cosplay show in Hafnarfjörður, 17.00
Heimar og Himingeimar is a group of cosplay enthusiasts who take dressing up seriously. This Friday, another gathering will bring together fans of comics, anime, sci-fi and fantasy films.
Are you as obsessed with Star Wars as we are (well, some of us)? Prepare your lightsaber and join the fun. There will be a cosplay contest, too — register here.
Click here to read more about the event.
Saturday, 5 September
Freddie Mercury Tribute, Háskólabíó
Freddie Mercury would have turned 80 on 5 September. To celebrate his art and legacy, all fans are invited to a tribute concert at Háskólabíó.
All the best songs by Queen and Mercury will be performed by Magni, Matti Matt, Eiríkur Hauksson, Friðrik Ómar, Dagur Sigurðsson and Eyþór Ingi.
Click here to read more about the event.
Sunday, 6 September
Úlfur Eldjárn, a concert at Fríkirkjan, 20.00
Úlfur Eldjárn is a composer, electronic musician and multi-instrumentalist based in Reykjavík, Iceland. The concert at Fríkirkjan takes place a few days after the artist’s birthday.
Úlfur is best known to international audiences as a founding member of Apparat Organ Quartet. Apart from his solo career, he has collaborated with artists and collectives such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, Mugison, Valdimar, HAM, and Vigdís Hafliðadóttir.
Click here to read more about the event.
