Culture night
21. August 2021 Culture Night is both created and enjoyed by city residents and takes place all across central Reykjavik, with celebrations in the streets and squares, in museums, businesses, and residential gardens! The event’s slogan ‘come on in!’ is a reference to the good old-fashioned customs of Icelandic hospitality. Reykjavik Culture Night marks the start of the city’s cultural year, when museums and theatres, and other cultural institutions launch their annual programme of events. The main objective of Reykjavik Culture Night is to deliver a diverse and rich offering of cultural events from 1-11 pm, ending with a magnificent firework show by the harbour. All events are free of charge for everyone to enjoy. Reykjavik Culture Night is organised and produced by the events team at Reykjavík Cultural Office, in collaboration with other city departments, organisations, artists, societies, and countless others.
Culture Night’s motto is “Come on in”, referencing Icelanders’ old custom of hospitality. The festival celebrates the vibrant and diverse culture of the city of Reykjavík, inviting everyone to come down to the city centre and join in.
Culture night has in the last 20 years become one of the city’s biggest festivals. Most of Reykjavík heads downtown and there are concerts, art shows, theatre performances, guided tours or other events in seemingly every building downtown. Some people like to check out the schedule and plan ahead but others just like to head to the centre and let the fate decide.