From the long golden days of August to the first auroras of October, Iceland in late summer and early fall offers a dynamic blend of festivals, cultural events, seasonal foods, and natural wonders. Whether you’re wandering Reykjavík’s lively streets or chasing sheep through the highlands, here’s what to expect each month as Iceland transitions from its festival season into Northern Lights mode.
August: Festival Season in Full Bloom
Menningarnótt (Reykjavík Culture Night)
When: August 23, 2025
Where: Reykjavík city center
Why Go: One of Iceland’s largest cultural events with free concerts, pop-up art shows, dance, and a fireworks finale that lights up the night sky.
Þjóðhátíð (National Festival)
When: Weekend before the first Monday in August
Where: Westman Islands
Why Go: A legendary music and bonfire celebration on an island formed by volcanic eruptions.
Reykjavík Pride
When: Early August (typically Aug 5–10)
Where: Various locations
Why Go: Colorful parades, performances, drag shows, and a proud celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in one of the world’s most inclusive capitals.
Reykjavík Jazz Festival
When: Late August (Aug 26–31)
Where: Various locations
Why Go: International and Icelandic jazz musicians take over Reykjavík with a mix of ticketed and free outdoor shows.
Seasonal Highlights
- Midnight sun fades into soft twilight, ideal for long evenings.
- Highland roads and hiking routes are fully open.
- Whale watching and puffin viewing peak this month.
September: The Shoulder Season Sweet Spot
Réttir (Sheep Round-Up)
When: Throughout September
Where: Rural farms and valleys across Iceland
Why Go: A centuries-old tradition where Icelanders round up their sheep from summer pastures. Often includes music, food, and even the chance for visitors to join in on foot or horseback.
Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF)
When: Sept 25–Oct 5
Where: Various locations around Reykjavik
Why Go: A globally respected festival showcasing emerging talent, experimental films, and one-of-a-kind venues (think: cinema in a swimming pool).
Seasonal Highlights
- Autumn foliage appears in national parks.
- Fewer crowds and lower prices make this a great time to explore.
- Glacier hikes, geothermal spa visits, and late-season whale tours are all available.
October: Lights, Art, and Quiet Wonder
Imagine Peace Tower Lighting
When: October 9
Where: Viðey Island, Reykjavík
Why Go: View Yoko Ono’s installation honoring John Lennon. It's lit each year on his birthday, a sign of a poetic beacon of peace. The tower is then lit at various times throughout the winter; check the schedule for your visit.
Art Without Borders
When: Throughout October
Where: Reykjavik
Why Go: An inclusive art festival celebrating creativity across all abilities with performances, exhibits, and workshops.
Reykjavík Opera Days
When: October 16-26
Where: Reykjavik
Why Go: Opera performances in both classic and unexpected spaces across the capital.
Sequences Art Festival
When: Biennially. This year's event will take place October 10-20
Where: Reykjavik
Why Go: A citywide celebration of time-based visual arts—video, performance, and installations by contemporary Icelandic and international artists.
Seasonal Highlights
- Peak Northern Lights season begins.
- Glacier hikes, ice cave exploration, and winter tours start running.
- Shoulder-season continues, making this an ideal month for deeper cultural immersion.
Whether you're traveling in high-summer joy or seeking off-season serenity, Iceland’s late summer and early fall calendar is packed with meaning, music, and magic. From rounding up sheep in the highlands to watching jazz in the midnight sun or standing beneath the green glow of aurora, there’s no wrong time, only different kinds of wonder.
Let us know when you’re heading to Iceland. Our experts can help you plan your trip around the events that speak most to you.
