Iceland Airwaves, Iceland’s biggest music showcase of the year, returns to Reykjavik this November! The annual 5-day festival held in Reykjavík is one of Iceland’s longest running musical events that features well-known and up-and-coming artists from Iceland and around the globe.
Iceland Airwaves is rooted deep in history since its origins in an old airport hanger in 1999. Now in its 19th year, the festival is famous for introducing new music of every genre, from rock to electronic to indie/alternative. Last year, there were over 9,000 music enthusiasts, journalists and Icelandic fans in attendance, and this number is only expected to grow this year!
This year promises to be one of the best yet featuring an all-star lineup of Grammy Award winners and nominees alike, and over 150 additional performances. The festival takes place in downtown Reykjavik in a variety of venues including concert halls, art museums, gig venues, record stores and coffee shops. Concert-goers will be treated to performances by Fleet Foxes, Billy Bragg, Emiliana Torrini & The Colorist, Ásgeir, Arab Strap, Glowie, JFDR, Mammút, Childhood and a Sunday night headlining act from Mumford & Sons, just to name a few.
The third annual Airwaves Talks also returns to the festival this year. Airwaves Talks is a mix of discussions, lectures and movie screenings held on November 4 at Bíó Paradís. Attendees will get the chance to explore some of the local talent, including a battle of the bands film, “Rokk í Reykjavík,” guest talks with with Ólafur Arnalds on “Island Songs,” and a discussion on mental health in the music industry led by William Doyle of East India Youth.
And if you’re in northern Iceland, don’t worry! For the first time ever, Iceland Airwaves invites Akureyri to take part in the festivities. The festival will take over several intimate venues in downtown Akureyri on November 2-3 that easily allows attendees to hop from one performance to the next. Just some of the performing artists in Akureyri include Ásgeir, Benjamin Clementine, Daniel OG, Emmsje Gauti, Alexander Jarl, Sturla Atlas and Taste of Iceland veteran Mammút! This year, you can also participate in a special Earthwaves party at the Myvatn Nature Baths, a natural geothermal lagoon, hosted by Emmsje Gauti and Young Nazareth from 1pm-5pm on November 3.
It’s still not too late to book your tickets to one of the biggest musical events of the year! Icelandair, one of the festival’s founding sponsors, is offering a special travel package that includes a complete five-day Airwaves festival pass and round-trip air transportation to Iceland. You can find a full schedule of events here.
Take a listen below to some of the music you can expect to hear at Iceland Airwaves. And let us know which acts you’re looking forward to see most by tweeting us @IcelandNatural!
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