Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves takes place Nov 5 - 7, 2026 (special events from Nov 4; 27th edition) in Reykjavik, Iceland. The dress code is Casual but seriously warm and waterproof - windproof coat, layers and sturdy shoes for icy pavements; venues are cosy indoors. Typical cost ranges from 500 to 1200 EUR per person.
A showcase music festival spread across intimate venues in downtown Reykjavik, famed for breaking Icelandic and international acts before they get big. Wristband holders hop between churches, art museums and dive bars, while a free off-venue programme fills the city's shops and cafes. Northern lights between sets are a genuine possibility.
- When
- Nov 5 - 7, 2026 (special events from Nov 4; 27th edition)
- Where
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Dress code
- Casual but seriously warm and waterproof - windproof coat, layers and sturdy shoes for icy pavements; venues are cosy indoors.
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 500 to 1200 EUR per person.
- Weather
- 0 - 5C, cold and windy with frequent rain or sleet and only 6 - 7 hours of daylight
- When to book
- Wristbands on sale from spring at icelandairwaves.is; book central Reykjavik hotels 2+ months out
- Getting there
- KEF (Keflavik), 45 min to central Reykjavik
- Where to stay
- Hotel Borg, Kvosin Downtown Hotel (boutique), Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
- Official site
- https://icelandairwaves.is/
How to attend
Buy a festival wristband online at icelandairwaves.is (early-bird tiers are cheapest; Airwaves Plus adds fast-track entry); the off-venue program is free walk-in. Icelandair sells flight-plus-festival packages from many cities. Everything is walkable in the compact city centre.
Insider tip
The free off-venue shows in record shops, bars and cafes run all day and need no wristband - many acts play them in more intimate form than their official sets.
Get inside Iceland Airwaves
Booking matters here: wristbands on sale from spring at icelandairwaves.is; book central Reykjavik hotels 2+ months out. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.