Nightlife & the Arts in Iceland

Iceland Nightlife

Reykjavík has an active cultural life through most of the year, and is especially strong in the visual arts. The classical performing-arts scene tends to quiet down somewhat in summer; however, a growing number of rock and jazz concerts has been helping to fill in the lull. The Reykjavík Arts Festival is an annual event held in late spring. Past festivals have drawn Luciano Pavarotti and David Bowie, among other stars. Check out the Reykjavík Grapevine (biweekly in summer, monthly in winter) for up-to-date listings. www.grapevine.is

Nightlife in Reykjavík essentially means two types of establishments: pubs and nightclubs with dancing and live music. Icelanders tend to dress up for nightspots, but visitors can get away with being a bit more casual. On weekends, unless you start before 10 PM, be prepared to wait in line, especially if summer weekend weather is good. Avoid downtown after midnight during the first weekends of summer, when excessive drinking can result in some raucous and aggressive behavior. Suffice it to say, Icelanders party en masse.

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