Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavik, Iceland 2025

Background & History

Iceland Airwaves, launched in 1999 in an airplane hangar at Reykjavík Airport, is the world’s most northerly music showcase and industry festival, held annually in November. Now a cornerstone of Reykjavík’s cultural calendar, it’s promoted by Sena Live, supported by founding sponsor Icelandair and the City of Reykjavík. Over 26 years, it has hosted over 600 artists from 50+ countries, spotlighting emerging talents like Mac DeMarco, Sigrid, and Florence + The Machine alongside established acts like Björk and The Flaming Lips.

Known for its eclectic mix of genres—indie, pop, rock, electronic, and hip-hop—it’s praised as “one of the most idiosyncratic festivals in the world” (NME) and an “essential trip for music lovers” (Rolling Stone). The festival includes off-venue acoustic sets, industry conferences, and cultural events, set against Iceland’s stunning natural backdrop.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: Over 70 performances across 3 days (6–8 November 2025) in downtown Reykjavík venues, featuring a diverse 2025 lineup including Antony Szmierek (UK), Kenya Grace (UK), Fat Dog (UK), Silvana Estrada (MX), and local acts like Bríet and JFDR. The third wave was announced on 21 August 2025, adding 18 artists like Ólöf Arnalds and The Orchestra (For Now).
• Special Event: Mugison with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (6–7 November, 19:00, Eldborg, Harpa). A symphonic reinterpretation of Mugison’s career, with arrangements by Þórður Magnússon and others. Separate tickets (9,990–19,990 ISK, ~$71–$142 USD). Festival pass holders get 10% off, Airwaves Plus 20% off.
• Conference: Industry panels, keynotes, and networking (6–7 November, venues TBD). Features top music professionals, with a closing panel announced on 14 August 2025. Pro Pass includes conference and festival access.
• Off-Venue Performances: Stripped-down acoustic sets in unconventional spaces like coffee shops, bookstores, and record stores (daytime, free, no wristband needed). Official venues (19:00–late) require wristbands.
• Cultural Events: Includes art exhibitions (e.g., Reykjavík Art Museum), pop-up shows, and eco-friendly initiatives like reusable cups (~ISK 500 deposit, ~$3.55 USD, speculative). Ties into Reykjavík’s cultural scene with nearby attractions like Hallgrímskirkja.
• Accessibility: Most venues (e.g., Art Museum, Iðnó, NASA) are fully accessible; Gaukurinn has stairs. English/Icelandic signage. Limited audio descriptions (contact info@icelandairwaves.is). Disability parking is free with a permit.
• Eco-Initiatives: Encourages public transport (Strætó buses), digital programs, and recycling at venues. Partners promote sustainable travel (e.g., Icelandair carbon offset options).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 6–8 November 2025 (confirmed). Duration: 3 days.
• Hours:
  • Official Performances: 19:00–late (wristband required).
  • Off-Venue Shows: ~12:00–18:00 (free, no wristband).
  • Conference: 6–7 November, ~9:00–17:00 (speculative, venues TBD).
  • Mugison Concert: 6–7 November, 19:00 (Eldborg, Harpa).
  • Box Office: Open October 2025, Hagasmári 1, 10:00–16:00 (speculative).
• Note: 18+ for some shows; under 14s need supervision. November weather (30–40°F, snow/rain possible); bring warm, light coats and waterproof shoes. Schedule at icelandairwaves.is (October 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues (all downtown Reykjavík, walkable, ~5–15 minutes apart):
  • Art Museum: Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible).
  • KOLAPORT: Tryggvagata, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible).
  • Gaukurinn: Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík (stairs, not accessible).
  • Iðnó: Vonarstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible).
  • NASA: Thorvaldsensstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible).
  • Fríkirkjan: Fríkirkjuvegur 5, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible).
  • BIRD: Naustin, 101 Reykjavík (fully accessible, new 2025 venue).
  • Eldborg, Harpa: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík (Mugison concert, fully accessible).
• Administrative Contact: Iceland Airwaves ehf., Hagasmári 1, 201 Kópavogur, Iceland; info@icelandairwaves.is; +354-558-4400 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible venues (except Gaukurinn). Public transport: Strætó buses (Centar stop, ~ISK 630, ~$4.50 USD, 5-minute walk). Limited parking (~ISK 1,000/day, ~$7.10 USD, disability parking free). Bicycle racks (~10–20 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@icelandairwaves.is (inquiries, accessibility); tickets via Tix (support@tix.is).
• Phone: +354-558-4400 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00).
• Website: https://icelandairwaves.is
• Social Media: @IcelandAirwaves (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, TikTok).
• Key Staff:
  • Festival Director: Ísleifur Þórhallsson (isi@sena.is).
  • Project Manager: Kim Wagenaar (kimw@sena.is).
  • Bookings & Program: Sindri Ástmarsson (sindri@sena.is).
  • Production: Hrannar Hafsteinsson (hrannar@sena.is).
• Press: Contact info@icelandairwaves.is for accreditation (deadline October 2025).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteer inquiries via info@icelandairwaves.is.

Ticket Information

• Admission (based on 2025, exchange rate ISK 1 ≈ $0.0071 USD, mid-2025):
  • Festival Pass (3-day): ISK 17,400 (~$123.50 USD).
  • Day Pass (Thu/Fri/Sat): ISK 11,900 (~$84.50 USD).
  • Pro Pass: ISK 38,400 (~$272.60 USD, includes 2-day conference, 3-day festival, Airwaves Plus).
  • Conference Pass (2-day): ISK 13,400 (~$95.14 USD).
  • Conference Day Pass: ISK 8,900 (~$63.20 USD).
  • Airwaves Plus Upgrade: ISK 15,000 (~$106.50 USD, priority access, discounts on airport transfers, food/drink).
  • Mugison Concert: ISK 9,990–19,990 (~$71–$142 USD, 10% off for festival pass, 20% off for Airwaves Plus).
• How to Buy:
  • Online: Via icelandairwaves.is/tickets (Tix platform, card only, October 2025). Mugison pre-sale for pass holders (May 2025).
  • Box Office: Opens October 2025, Hagasmári 1, 10:00–16:00 (speculative, cash/card).
  • Concert Day: Limited availability at venues, 18:00 (card preferred).
• Travel Packages (via Icelandair):
  • Includes flight, 3-day festival pass, and optional hotel/airport transfer.
  • Prices: From $726 USD (US), £332 GBP (UK), €455 EUR (Germany), $1,049 CAD (Canada).
  • Departures: US (e.g., Boston, New York), UK (e.g., London), Germany (e.g., Berlin), Canada (e.g., Toronto), etc.
• Ticket Range:
  • ISK: 8,900–38,400.
  • USD: ~$63.20–$272.60.
• Note: No refunds (all sales final). Tickets transferable via Tix (name change required). Airwaves Plus offers an express queue, but not guaranteed entry if venues are full. Group discounts (~10% for 5+ tickets, speculative). Avoid unofficial resellers.

Cultural Experience

Iceland Airwaves transforms Reykjavík into a musical treasure hunt, blending global and Icelandic talent in venues from stately churches to gritty nightclubs. It celebrates Iceland’s vibrant music scene, rooted in Viking and folk traditions, with acts like Bríet and Retro Stefson reflecting modern Nordic sounds. Off-venue sets in bookstores and cafes evoke Iceland’s storytelling heritage, while the conference fosters global music industry connections. Culinary offerings include Icelandic staples like skyr, lamb soup, and pylsur (hot dogs, ~ISK 500–1,500, ~$3.55–$10.65 USD) at venues and nearby eateries. The festival’s eco-conscious ethos aligns with Iceland’s sustainability focus, complemented by Reykjavík’s geothermal pools and northern lights views.

Food & Drinks

• Venue Stalls: Limited food at venues (pylsur, skyr, pastries, ~ISK 500–1,500, ~$3.55–$10.65 USD). Drinks: Brennivín, craft beer (~ISK 1,000–2,000, ~$7.10–$14.20 USD, 19+), coffee, soda (~ISK 300–800, ~$2.13–$5.68 USD).
• Nearby Dining (Downtown Reykjavík):
  • Sandholt Bakery (Laugavegur 36, pastries, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk from Iðnó).
  • Icelandic Street Food (Völvufell 19, soups, $8–$12 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Tryggvagata 1, hot dogs, $3–$5 USD, 3-minute walk from KOLAPORT).
• Note: Card preferred; cash (ISK) for small vendors. Reusable cups (~ISK 500 deposit, speculative). No outside food/drinks. Water stations at major venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: 18+ for some shows; under 14s need supervision. No dedicated kids’ program, but off-venue daytime shows suit families. Guide dogs only.
• Accessibility: Most venues are fully accessible (except Gaukurinn). English/Icelandic signage. Limited audio descriptions (contact info@icelandairwaves.is). Disability parking is free with a permit.

Getting There

• By Air: Keflavík International Airport (KEF, 50 km, 45-minute drive, $20–$40 USD taxi). FlyBus/shuttle (~ISK 3,500, ~$24.85 USD, book via icelandairwaves.is).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Strætó (Centar stop, ~ISK 630, ~$4.50 USD, 5-minute walk to Art Museum). App: Straeto.is.
  • Shuttle: Airport to Reykjavík (~ISK 3,500, book via Icelandair).
• By Car: Limited parking (~ISK 1,000/day, ~$7.10 USD). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Foot/Bike: Walkable venues (Art Museum to Fríkirkjan, 10 minutes). Bicycle racks (~10–20 spaces, free).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Hreyfill (+354-588-5522, $5–$15 USD). Bolt from downtown ($3–$8 USD).

Program Details

• October 2025: Full lineup and schedule announced (icelandairwaves.is).
• 6–8 November:
  • Official Shows: 19:00–late (Art Museum, Gaukurinn, Iðnó, etc.). Artists by day: Thursday (e.g., Fat Dog, lúpína), Friday (e.g., Kenya Grace, WU LYF), Saturday (e.g., Bríet, Silvana Estrada).
  • Off-Venue Shows: ~12:00–18:00 (coffee shops, bookstores, free).
  • Conference: 6–7 November, ~9:00–17:00 (panels, keynotes, TBD venues).
  • Mugison Concert: 6–7 November, 19:00 (Eldborg, Harpa).
• Note: Some shows are 18+. Check icelandairwaves.is for updates. Wristbands are required for official venues.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: Shygirl, Bar Italia, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul performed. BIRD debuted as a partner venue.
• 2023: NME gave 4 stars; featured Yard Act, Balming Tiger.
• 2022: The Independent gave 5 stars; gender-equal lineup (50% female performers).
• 1999: Founded in an airplane hangar, spotlighting GusGus, múm.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Promotes Icelandic music (e.g., Viking-inspired sounds, modern pop) and global trends via conference and performances. Free off-venue shows are ideal for music studies.
• Community Engagement: Connects artists, promoters, and fans from 50+ countries. Supports local talent via SXSW showcase (2025, selected artists).
• Historical Context: Reflects Reykjavík’s evolution from a fishing village to a global music hub, tied to Iceland’s geothermal and cultural heritage.

Cultural Activities

• Performances: 70+ concerts (6–8 November, official venues). Off-venue acoustic sets (daytime).
• Conference: Panels, keynotes, networking (6–7 November).
• Exhibitions: Art displays at Reykjavík Art Museum (speculative).
• Jam Sessions: Informal shows at bars (TBD, evening).
• Masterclasses: Industry workshops (conference pass required).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets on sale now (icelandairwaves.is); prices hike closer to the event. Hotels fill in November; book 6–12 months. Travel packages via Icelandair.
• Weather Prep: 30–40°F, snow/rain possible; bring warm, light coats, waterproof shoes.
• Explore Locally: Hallgrímskirkja (free, 5-minute walk), Harpa Concert Hall ($5–$10 USD, 3-minute walk), Sun Voyager (free, 7-minute walk).
• Transport: Use Straeto.is an app for buses. Walkable venues. Avoid driving due to limited parking.
• Crowd Tips: Arrive early (18:00) for popular shows. Airwaves Plus for express queues. Off-venue shows are less crowded.

Local Attractions

• Hallgrímskirkja: Free, iconic church (5-minute walk from Iðnó).
• Harpa Concert Hall: $5–$10 USD (3-minute walk from the Art Museum).
• Sun Voyager: Free, sculpture (7-minute walk).
• Perlan Museum: $15 USD (15-minute bus from Centar).
• National Museum of Iceland: $10 USD (10-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Center Hotels Plaza (Aðalstræti 4, $100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Hotel Reykjavík Saga (Lækjargata 12, $120–$250 USD/night, 7-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Guesthouse Aurora (Freyjugata 24, $60–$120 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($50–$150 USD/night, downtown).
• Note: Book early for November; limited central availability. Discounts via icelandairwaves.is (Center Hotels).

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; nearest hospital is Landspítali (15-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (October 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children at crowded venues.