Iceland Airwaves is a multi-genre music festival that takes place across a number of venues in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It is held in November every year. Iceland Airwaves programmes emerging Icelandic artists alongside international acts.

What Iceland Airwaves showcases

Iceland Airwaves describes itself as the world's most northerly music showcase and industry festival. The festival is a showcase and industry festival in Reykjavik. It programmes emerging Icelandic artists and international acts. Iceland Airwaves says it shines a light on new talent and is a place to discover new music. It describes itself as an opportunity to connect with local and international music industry figures. The festival is promoted and produced by the concert company Sena Live, with Icelandair as founding sponsor, and in cooperation with the City of Reykjavik.

Icelandic acts who have played

Icelandic acts that have played Iceland Airwaves include GusGus, mum, Singapore Sling, FM Belfast, Of Monsters and Men, Asgeir, soley, Sin Fang, Kaleo, Mugison and Vok. Iceland Airwaves says those local acts have gone on to great success.

Established acts on the bill

Established acts that have played Iceland Airwaves include Bjork, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Kraftwerk, Sigur Ros, John Grant, Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes.

Artists who played the festival early

Artists who made early appearances at Iceland Airwaves include Mac DeMarco, James Blake, Sufjan Stevens, Young Fathers, Sigrid, Dan Deacon, Florence and The Machine, Hot Chip, Caribou and Dirty Projectors.

Where you hear it live in Reykjavik

Live music is common across many downtown Reykjavik venues. The city's nightlife is concentrated in the compact downtown area, where most bars and venues are within walking distance of one another. Iceland Airwaves shows are hosted in settings ranging from record stores and dedicated venues to bars, churches, nightclubs and large-scale venues.

The concert hall on the waterfront

Harpa is a concert hall on the Reykjavik waterfront that hosts music performances. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra performs with Dadi Freyr at Harpa as an Iceland Airwaves special event.

Reading Icelandic names

Icelandic uses letters that do not appear in the English alphabet. Use the Icelandic Alphabet guide to help plan your trip.

Comparing Reykjavik tours and activities

You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.