The month of October reaches its zenith during Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF). Being one of the biggest and most diverse cultural events in Reykjavik, RIFF has an exciting roster of international films. Though the buzz isn’t all reserved for cinema this autumn – here’s to hoping for clear skies to showcase the dancing aurora borealis, but we also reserve some indoor activities ideal for cloudy days and rainy nights like cooking workshops, theatrical performances, lectures, and numerous concerts across town.
Here are the best events happening in Reykjavik this month:
Thursday 26th September – Sunday 6th October
Reykjavik International Film Festival
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) celebrates a rich variety of films from around the globe for eleven days straight where locals and visitors alike can enjoy epic and original film making. Attendants are also encouraged to meet directors and hear about the work via panels and workshops. Visit RIFF’s website to see what kinds of events and films are on!
Tuesday 1st October
FAR Fest Afríka Reykjavík
Held every year for the past 10 years in October in Reykjavík, celebrating African Music, Dance and Culture to the Icelandic people. FAR offers African-Icelanders a platform to enjoy and marry their culture with Nordic collaborations. Born to inspire music and dance education through grade schools and senior citizens.
Wednesday 2nd October
A Masterclass with Claire Denis at Nordic House
An honorary guest at RIFF is the acclaimed French auteur director Claire Denis. Her films engage issues of immigration and ostracism, the ravages of colonialism, and the mysteries of love in a profound manner. Expect to be deeply inspired by the recipient of the Creative Excellence Award and one of today’s greatest filmmakers. The event is moderated by the Icelandic author Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir.
Thursday 3rd October
Happily Never After – Bio Paradis
The direct translation is “Daddy Weekends”, a brand new and anticipated Icelandic TV series about co-parenting. We get to know Karen, a 38-year-old mother and couples therapist, when her life takes a quick turn for the worse due to her husband’s infidelity. She finds herself single and anxiously dealing with all that comes with sharing custody of her three children. The series are screened in collaboration with RÚV, showcasing two episodes at RIFF. Written, directed and produced by Nanna Kristín Magnúsdóttir
Friday 4th October
Sofar Sounds Reykjavik Show #35
Excited to be back after the summer break sharing a freshly curated evening with you. Sofar is an artistically healthy community dedicated to connecting with more than 200,000 artists at different times in their careers. Feel free to share a few words on who you are and why’re you’re interested in this life event as you RSVP – they like that kinda thing.
Saturday 5th October
Art Without Borders Festival Opening
Enhancing cultural equality and diversity by creating a professional platform and opportunities for disabled artists. Highly appreciated by the locals this festival collaborates with visual artists, theatre groups and musicians encouraging disabled artists to blend into the art scene and be accepted as “working artists” vs “disabled artists”.
Sunday 6th October
A Play Without Words at Tjarnabio
Have a healthy laugh over a theatrical performance without words. Understood by anyone willing to celebrate their inner playfulness. Watch the performers roll around, create animals, lands, life and love. The show honors the simple philosophy of how everything starts from nothing – a story about the circle of life. An ideal function for every age and language.
Monday 7th October
The Craft of Dumplings at Salt Eldhús
Wouldn’t you love to learn how to to whisk up savory dumplings in a jiffy? Master the craft of dumpling making with Kunsang Tsering, owner of the locally adored ramen eatery in the Harbor District. You’ll learn how to make Japaneese gyoza, Korean mandu, Chinese dumplings, Tibetan momo, and some kimchi on the side. A time not lost but gained – everyone loves dumplings! From 5 – 8:30 pm.
Thursday 10th October
EVE Online Open lecture
Listen to the software developer at CCP games, Stefán Jökull premier his lecture he’ll be presenting at NDC Sydney later this month. This event will be held in Continuing Education at the University of Iceland. It’s free of charge and open to anyone interested in CCP players and the subject of hackers and the evolution of account security. From 5 – 6 pm.
Friday 11th October
Reykjavik Kabarett at The National Theatre Cellar
A mix of burlesque and vaudeville, each member of the Reykjavík Kabarett brings different things to the table. This collective cabaret is packed with the ideal mix of burlesque, music and magic – all in order to guarantee you a fabulous evening filled with wicked laughter. Keep in mind that it gets a bit saucy, so if your friends are sensitive to humorous sexuality, this might not be their entertainment.
Saturday 12th October
Happy Hour with Ukulele at Hard Rock Cafe
Ukulellurnar, or Ukulele, are celebrating their one year anniversary with a happy hour at Hard Rock Cafe. This wonderful band was born from a group of women all singing in a gay choir who wanted to enrich their musical experiences. All heartfelt and positive vibes for anyone and everyone. Tickets are only ISK 1500 and will be sold at the door. From 5 – 7 pm.
Sunday 13th October
TEDxReykjavík Time of Change
TEDxReykjavík is celebrating their 10th Anniversary this autumn with an impressive lineup of speakers. The theme of this soulful event is Times of Change – Celebrating X Years of Ideas. The speakers are given a wide range of subjects, including mental health, environmental issues, language and important social issues in Iceland and around the world. There will be coffee and refreshments during the event, and Reykjavík’s most gourmet food trucks will be waiting on-site cooking up delicious lunches for everyone. This will be a memorable one!
Tuesday 15th – Sunday 20th October
Nordic Council Film Prize 2019
Expect nothing less than to be wowed and artistically moved as you view the five Nordic films one by one. These coveted five feature length films have been selected and nominated for the Nordic Council Film Prize 2019. And will be featured in Bíó Paradís October 15th through 20th during special viewings collaborated with Nordisk Film og TV Fond.
Wednesday 16th October
Vegan Health at Harpa Conference Hall
Are you vegan or contemplating making the change? This Vegan Health conference is an anticipated event by the vegan community in Iceland, as well as those about to make the move. Learn all about the benefits of eating clean and a vibrant plant diet. For any questions please email [email protected].
Friday 18th October
Concert of The Century at Haskolabio
The concert of the century is packed with musicians and bands that were at their peak around the millennium. Most are still working musicians today and are coming together to celebrate each other and their loyal audience. The first half of the function will cover ballads and the second half is left for going bananas with beloved dance hits. Affordable ticket price at ISK 3990.
Wednesday 23rd October
Forget-Me-Not: Poems and Songs by Women at Kjarvalsstadir
In a nostalgic setting at Kjarvalstadir, students from the Department of Music perform music that revolves around love and beauty, vocally. A cozy and sincere concert that is part of the series Gleym-mér-ei meaning Forget-Me-Not. Hosted in collaboration with Reykjavík Art Museum, this lunch concert offers free entrance and everyone is welcome.
Thursday 24th October
Elín Ey & Eyþór Gunnarsson í Mengi
Uniting on stage for the first time are the father and daughter Eyþór Gunnarsson and Elín Ey. Hosted by Mengi, Eyþór will be on piano and synthesizers and Elín on vocals. This set will be a combination of cover songs and songs from Elín’s forthcoming album. Eyþór is a known musical legend in Iceland and is one of the founders of Mezzoforte and Elín Ey has been performing most of her life, and around the world, both solos and with her band, Sísý Ey.
Friday 25th – Saturday 26th October
Hist Og – Release Party
A mix of introverted and slow-heaving electronica, improvised music and twitchy new age might just be what the doctor ordered. Hist Og was founded in 2017 to compose and perform new music for Sigur Rós’ Norður og Niður festival. Their unique backgrounds are collectively transformed via sensational sounds on their first album, released last month by Reykjavík Record Shop.
Thursday 31st October
Power Tools Pumpkin Carving
We say we don’t celebrate Halloween in Iceland, but somehow it has influenced retailers and kids to make it their own scary-Ice-fest. It most definitely has something to do with candy and carving pumpkins. If you’re in on the idea join us for magical power tool carving over drinks and candy, with a side of a horror movie. Make sure to reserve your seat and pumpkin.
Ongoing in October
Gerdur Hannesdottir at ART67
ART67 is a vibrant co-op gallery run and curated by 14 different artists, featuring a new guest artist every month. During the month of October, ART67 introduces Gerdur Hannesdottir. Gerdur’s medium is oil on canvas; she createes astracts inspired by Icelandic nature. There will be an opening on 5th October at 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Exhibition runs until the 31st of the month.
Improv Iceland at The National Theatre Cellar
Tickle your spontaneous nerves with a night of funny and clever improv and you might well end up on the stage. Improv Iceland is known to bring the audience into the performance in one way or another and it’s just up to you shake off that stage fear. A perfect recipe for fun and freedom. Enjoy a show every Wednesday in October, 8 – 10 pm
The Magic Viking at Secret Cellar
Monday nights in October don’t have to be mundane, infuse yours with comedy, music and magic. Bjarni the Magic Viking comedy veteran in Iceland has a way of naturally mixing together stand-up with his own music. We think it’s a must-see and you might learn a thing or two about yourself and Iceland.
It also doesn’t hurt that this show is both free of charge and in English!
If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!
Get new articles, interesting links and upcoming events delivered to your inbox every month. No spam. Unsubscribe whenever you want.
