Reykjavík Marathon & Culture Night: The Grand Finale of Icelandic Summer

Culture Night, known in Iceland as Menningarnótt, is an annual festival that commemorates Reykjavik’s birthday. Though the city was founded in the 9th century, it became the official administrative centre under Danish control much later, on August 18th, 1786. This particular celebration began in 1996.

Yet just because its origins are relatively recent, that doesn’t make it any less special. The team from Reykjavik’s Cultural Office enlist the help of other departments, societies and organisations, local clubs, musicians and artists to stage activities and events right across the capital region.

August is Party Time

Culture Night follows Reykjavik Pride, when the streets of the Icelandic capital are awash with rainbow flags and a colourful parade. Culture Night is equally inclusive, with a fun calendar that changes every year. For visitors from overseas, it’s a chance to experience Icelandic hospitality at its fullest – residents are in party mode, and everyone’s welcome to join in. Pride kicks off early August, while Culture Night and the Marathon close the month, marking the end of summer.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 23, 2025—when Reykjavík comes alive for Menningarnótt, Iceland’s Culture Night. Celebrating art, community, and the city’s birthday, this festive city-wide event is the highlight of the summer season for both locals and visitors.

Reykjavík Culture Night 2025 transforms every corner of the capital into a stage, gallery, or dance floor, with a full day of free music, performances, exhibitions, family fun, and unforgettable Icelandic hospitality. The official program runs from 12pm to 10pm, but expect celebrations to spill late into the night, culminating with the legendary fireworks display at Arnarhóll as the sun sets from 10pm.

The best part?Almost all of the events (and museums) are free of charge.Souse the opportunity to experience Icelandic art, dance, theatre, food tastings, museum open houses, and more without needing tickets.But keep in mind that indoor venues have capacity constraints, so it's advisable to arrive early for these activities.

Wander Reykjavík’s streets and discover performances, pop-up concerts, art installations, poetry recitals, and folk dances. Venues—from museums to street corners—offer activities for all ages, with many institutions opening their doors for free or hosting special exhibitions and workshops. The festivities stretch from Langahlíð in Austurbær to Hagatorg in Vesturbær, up to Grandi. No matter where you go, you’ll find something to surprise and delight.

We asked our team for their top event recommendations for travellers to experience on Culture Night 2025. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Bylgjan and Coca Cola present: A grand concert in Hljómskálagarður: The fun starts on the Coca Cola stage at 6:30 PM with performances by: Klara Einars Skítamórall GDRN Júlí and Dísa Herra Hnetusmjör, VÆB (2025 Eurovision finalists) and Nýdánsk will end the evening with their best songs! Here, there will also be a street food festival with some of our best food.
• The National Museum of Iceland will host a free Culture Night festival focused on 19th‑century town life, featuring horse demonstrations, wrestling, folk dances, poetry, guided tours (including Einar Falur’s exhibition), traditional food, and interactive activities, with Gísli Einarsson as host and support from the Icelandic Horse Heritage Center. 
• Iceland Symphony Orchestra at the Harpa Music and Conference Hall-conducted by Nicholas Swensen and hosted by Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson, presents free family concerts exploring “music of the future” with works by Jóhann Jóhannsson, Caroline Shaw, Beethoven, Björk, and more; tickets available online or at Harpa on the day.
• Experience the living tradition of hymn singing in a warm, festive, and inspiring atmosphere.2–6 PM, Saturday, August 23 at Hallgrímskirkja: Sálmafossoffers a joyful Culture Night celebration of hymns with congregational singing, choirs, organ music, improvisations, and hymn preludes.
• Yeoman Culture Night Celebration (Laugavegur 7, 11 AM–8 PM): From 4–6 PM, enjoy DJ music, live dance performances, and refreshments outside the store, with a raffle for shoppers and a festive summer atmosphere.
• JCI Ísland invites you to a cozy open house with waffles and coffee from 2 to 4 PM at Hellusund 3, 101 Reykjavík.
• Poetry meets world-class imagery at the Reykjavik Museum of Photography.
• The festival culminates with fireworks at Arnarhóll at 10pm, following the closing concert—an iconic annual tradition that draws the whole city to the center for a dazzling display.

This is also a celebration of multiculturalism, particularly when it comes to food and music. Whether you’re a fan of K-Pop or keen to learn how to dance Latin American favourites like tango or salsa, you’ll find it in Reykjavik this Culture Night.

At its heart, Menningarnótt is about bringing everyone together. Crowds gather everywhereto celebrate and share in Reykjavík’s creative pulse. Whether you want to listen to music, sample multicultural street food, try a new art form, or just soak up the vibe, there’s truly something for everyone.

Coinciding with Culture Night is the Islandsbanki Reykjavík Marathon 2025, the biggest running event in Iceland, also held on August 23. The first Reykjavik Marathon took place in 1984. The race has been the responsibility of the Reykjavík Sports Association (ÍBR) since 2003.The marathon offers four categories—full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and a fun run (3K)—making it inclusive for all ages and abilities. However, this is not only a running event butis likely the year's biggest charity event, where runners choose a cause and raise funds in the weeks leading up to the race—providing many organizations with their primary source of income.

A sizeable chunk of the money raised from this event is invested in sports clubs across the city, while many participants also choose to raise money on behalf of their own chosen charities. 

Events kick off early in the morning and wrap up in the afternoon, with thousands of participants and accompanying spectators filling the city with energy and encouragement. 

Reykjavík Excursions by Icelandia are proud sponsors of the Reykjavík Marathon 2025, and this year, we have an Icelandia team who will be lacing up their running shoes for a good cause! We have Icelandia runners participating in the 10K, 21K (half marathon), and full marathon distances, all in support of charity. We encourage you to cheer them on or join us in making a difference—learn more about how to get involved or support our chosen cause here. 

How to Join?Registration isrequired—sign up online and secure your spot.

The marathon route winds through many of the city’s districts, so check maps for road closures or detours if you’re coming to cheer or participate.

As you can imagine, the streets of Reykjavik are pretty busy while the Culture Night events are taking place, so it’s better not to have to try to find a parking space. Road closures are in effect in some parts of the city centre, for instance, across the Reykjavik Marathon route. A map of road closures is uploaded to the Culture Night website so that you can see how you might be affected.

If you really must drive, the organisers suggest you park up and connect with free shuttles that will take you to the city centre. These run from 7.30am to 1am; they depart from Laugardalshöll Arena, stop at Borgartún and continue on to Hallgrímskirkja. Taxis will be permitted to drop off and pick up at designated locations on the edge of the city centre.

Public transport is available throughout the day and until late at night. As the majority of festival goers congregate on the waterfront to watch the fireworks, Straeto services are diverted at the end of the evening to transport everyone home after the culmination of the display. You’re invited to make your way towards the Sun Voyager statue to catch your bus home.

• Road Closures: Expect street closures, especially around the city center and marathon route.
• Parking: If you plan to drive, park at the edge of town and use the free shuttle bus running from 7:30am to 1am with stops at Laugardalshöll Arena, Borgartún, and Hallgrímskirkja.
• Public Transport: City buses run extended hours for the festival, especially after the fireworks, with convenient post-event pick-ups near the Sun Voyager statue.
• Taxis: Available at designated drop-off and pick-up points just outside the crowds.

Insider Tips

• Arrive Early: Some indoor events and venues have limited space. Plan ahead for top attractions or performances.
• Dress for the Weather: Reykjavík’s summer weather is often pleasant but can be unpredictable—bring a jacket and rain gear in case.
• Join the Firework Finale: Stake out your spot at Arnarhóll before 10pm for the city’s grand fireworks show, a fitting finale to a magical day.

Experience the Element of Joy

Reykjavík Culture Night is more than a festival—it’s a joyful, welcoming invitation from Iceland’s capital to explore music, art, food, dance, and community on a scale like no other. Whether it’s your first time or a beloved tradition, Culture Night promises another unforgettable celebration. Bring your curiosity, your friends, and your sense of wonder, and join the community as it lights up to celebrate the end of the Icelandic summer season.

For the full 2025 programme, event maps, and updated information, visit Reykjavík’s official Culture Night page or the city’s event pages closer to the date.