Rolling Stone magazine called Iceland Airwaves “the hippest long weekend on the annual music festival calendar.” The three-day event brings over 80 musicians—ranging from neo-classical pianists to hardcore screamo bands—to six main locations throughout the city. The entire city is abuzz. A joyous excitement, something already found naturally throughout Reykjavik due to its high concentration and appreciation of the arts, is amped up.
All of the Iceland Airwaves venues are within walking distance in City Centre, the most happening ‘hood in Reykjavik. The event is headquartered in the Iceland Parliament Hotel, a part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. Here is a guide to help navigate the venues at Iceland Airwaves.
NASA
One of Reykjavik’s top music venues, NASA, met the demolition crew back in 2018. This historic spot served as an important spot in the country’s independence and boomed in the 70s. At the turn of the century, developers sought to replace the building with a hotel, which they did ... sort of.
The reincarnation of NASA, now nestled up against the Iceland Parliament Hotel, retains the protected, historic facade and pays homage to the original building’s use as a girls' school. The venue feels like an auditorium, and floor-side “balconies” allow great, up-close views on the level with musicians.
Thorvaldsensstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík
Art Museum
Reykjavik’s art museum is spread amongst three locations. For the festival, Iceland Airwaves occupies Hafnarhús. This installation exhibits progressive art by recognized national and international contemporary artists while also serving as permanent home to the works of pop art collagist Erró.
Converted into what resembles the main hall of a Viking long house, the black-draped venue allows single sightlines of an elevated stage. Two beer-serving refreshment centers, a pop-up pylsur (hot dogs) stand, and a live t-shirt screen printing shop occupy the rest of the building. Airwaves Plus ticket holders can watch from the balcony above.
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
Kolaport
On the weekends, this space is usually an indoor flea market, with vendors selling new and used items. It is the first (and only!) place I tried hákarl, the national dish of Iceland of ammonia-scented, fermented shark. The market is a hit with tourists and locals alike.
As a music venue, the space is wide and provides plenty of standing room. It is perfect for acts whose fans want to bounce around and dance a bit—there is plenty of space to spread out. A service bar is located at the side of the stage. Look for Airwaves signs marking where to enter.
Tryggvagötu 19, Old Harbour, 101 Reykjavík
Gaukurinn
Voted “Best Bar for Live Music 2024,” Gaukurinn is a stronghold on the local music scene, popular more with locals than tourists. During regular operations, Gaukurinn specializes in non-mainstream music and hosts karaoke and queer open mic nights.
Due to its cozy nature, Gaukurinn is one of the hardest venues to get into at Airwaves. There is always a queue outside the front door. Inside, the bar area meshes with the dance floor as revelers pack into the corners. The intimacy of the venue ensures there is not a bad space in the house.
Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
Iðnó
Reykjavik Centre’s transformational and well-loved culture hall, Iðnó doubles as a meeting space, wedding venue, and concert stage. In its theatre setting, the venue holds 240 people—50 more if standing room only. Iðnó also operates a café and hosts pop-up restaurants from time to time.
At Airwaves, the venue offers a small lounge area, a well-stocked bar, and a first-come-first-served standing room. Organizers have dedicated this acoustically superior venue for many of the softer and creative acts.
Vonarstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík
Fríkirkjan
A more refined setting, perfect for subtle pianists and solo voices, is found inside the Lutheran Free Church on the banks of “the pond,” Lake Tjörnin. The congregation was first assembled in 1899 and the new church on the eastern side of the lake was built in 1903. Its pipe organ is world-renowned.
In 2024, the green-roofed Fríkirkjan hosted artists like Costa Rican pianist Sofi Paez and native son Arnór Dan. The venue kicked off their participation with a performance by postmodern classical musician Gabríel Ólafs, who is described as “arguably Gen Z’s most important composer.”
Fríkirkjuvegur 5, 101 Reykjavík
Off-Venues
The city is filled with music as record shops, concert halls, and breweries get in on the act. These venues program their own lineup with appearances and events during the entire week of the festival and associated conference.
All Off-Venue shows end by 7:00 p.m. on festival days before the official Iceland Airwaves schedule flips on. Some Off-Venue events require a separate ticket, and others require a fest wristband, but many do not. However, it pays to have a wristband as the locations serving alcohol offer up to a 20 percent discount—key for those getting a bit lush in a city known for steep prices.
Iceland Airwaves is an unforgettable music festival celebrating the best of Icelandic and international talent. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether a seasoned music fan or a first-time attendee.