Photo by Christina Valhouli
Iceland’s cultural scene takes center stage this fall, with a packed calendar of festivals, exhibitions and events showcasing the creativity and diversity of the country’s arts and culture. The upcoming autumn lineup builds on an extraordinary summer anchored by the Reykjavík Arts Festival, which featured a landmark Björk exhibition at the National Gallery of Iceland, presented alongside the solar-eclipse-timed Echolalia festival.
As this creative momentum carries into the cooler months, the fall season offers an exceptional array of artistic experiences.
Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) | September 24 – October 4
The Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) celebrates independent, groundbreaking cinema from across the globe. This year’s festival deepens its commitment to Nordic and Arctic storytelling, centering on films that tackle landscape, climate, and modern cultural identity. This year’s festival features Portugal as the official “Country in Focus” and launches the new Arctic Script Lab to support and amplify regional and Indigenous voices. This is an essential autumn event for culture seekers wanting intimate filmmaker access and to view films pushing the boundaries of independent, art-house cinema.
SOAK: Wellness, Architecture and the Power of Belonging | October 2 in New York, NY
The team behind Iceland’s 2027 Venice Architecture Pavilion is coming to New York City as part of the Taste of Iceland cultural festival to host an engaging panel discussion, featuring leading international architects, designers, academics, and cultural leaders. The conversation will explore the broader themes inspiring their upcoming pavilion, SOAK: Rituals of Collective Belonging, which draws on Iceland’s geothermal bathing culture — recently designated by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage — to explore how public pools serve as ultimate democratic sanctuaries that foster community and dissolve modern social hierarchies.
The Icelandic Design Awards | November 5
Organized by Iceland Design and Architecture, the Icelandic Design Awards honor the outstanding impact of local design and architecture on society, culture, and business. The annual ceremony celebrates innovative projects across three main competitive categories — Product of the Year, Place of the Year, and Project of the year — alongside special honors for the Honorary Award and Best Investment in Design. From groundbreaking products and revitalized urban landmarks to multisensory experiences and visionary lifetime achievements, the awards showcase how Icelandic design continues to advance global conversations around sustainability, craftsmanship, and human innovation.
Photo by Cat Gundry Beck
Iceland Airwaves | November 4–8
Iceland’s renowned music festival and industry gathering returns to fill downtown Reykjavík with vibrant performances from emerging local talent and international headliners. The 2026 lineup features standout acts and headliners including Shygirl, Heartworms, Sex Week, Dove Ellis, Adult DVD, and rising Icelandic electro-pop duo SCAM.
Photo by Björgvin Sigurdarson
Reykjavik Dance Festival | November 9-14
The Reykjavík Dance Festival serves as Iceland’s premier international center for choreographic innovation and contemporary movement. Happening November 9-14, the 2026 festival will feature a dynamic mix of groundbreaking local grassroots talent and acclaimed international performance artists for a multi-day celebration of dance, experimental theatre, and storytelling.
Photo by Ian Dawson, Nord Digital
Iceland Noir | November 11–14
Founded by celebrated Icelandic authors Ragnar Jónasson and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, Iceland Noir is the world’s first and only festival dedicated to celebrating darkness in all forms. Building on Iceland’s leadership in literature and storytelling, the annual gathering has expanded beyond just crime fiction to encompass art, film, television, and culture at large. Held as the Icelandic days grow shorter in late autumn, the festival brings together world-renowned authors, screenwriters, directors and creators for engaging panels, screenings, and captivating discussions on the power of dark storytelling.
Photo by Sunna Ben
Coming up in January…
Dark Music Days | January 2027
Established as one of Iceland’s oldest music festivals, Dark Music Days illuminates the darker months of the year with contemporary and exploratory music. The festival showcases cutting-edge classical, experimental, and new music compositions by leading Icelandic and international composers across Reykjavík’s premier performance halls, including Harpa Concert Hall. Stay tuned as Dark Music Days prepares for a memorable start to 2027, with additional lineup details and announcements coming soon.
For more on Icelandic culture, be sure to read our Iceland travel guide here.
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