Iceland Airwaves Music Festival 2026

Iceland Airwaves began in 1999 as a small showcase held inside an aircraft hangar at Reykjavík Airport. It has since grown into one of the most respected music discovery festivals in Europe, drawing industry professionals, journalists, and music fans from around 60 countries each November. The format is deliberately spread across Reykjavík’s bars, concert halls, art spaces, and cinemas rather than concentrated on a festival site — which gives it a distinct character that larger European festivals cannot replicate.

The festival format

The five-day programme runs roughly Wednesday through Sunday, with shows beginning in the early afternoon and continuing past midnight. Headliners play the larger venues such as Harpa Concert Hall and Gamla Bíó, while dozens of smaller acts fill bars like Húrra, Gaukurinn, and various pop-up locations announced closer to the event. Icelandic artists typically make up around half the lineup, which is deliberately high — the festival functions partly as an international platform for domestic music.

Off-venue shows (free events in cafés and record shops) have historically run alongside ticketed ones, though the structure changes slightly each year. Check the official site for the current programme once announced, usually in September or October.

Tickets and booking

Wristbands covering the full five days are the standard ticket. Single-day passes and individual show tickets for headline acts are also typically available. Wristband prices have historically been in the range of 29,000—39,000 ISK, with early bird pricing available in the months before the festival. Book accommodation early — November is not peak tourist season in Reykjavík, but Airwaves fills the city’s mid-range hotels quickly. The festival website lists partner accommodation options.

What to expect in November

November in Reykjavík means short days (around 5 hours of daylight), temperatures between -2°C and 6°C, and a reasonable chance of seeing the northern lights after shows finish. Pack thermal layers, waterproof outer shell, and good walking shoes — the festival involves a lot of movement between venues on foot across the compact city centre. Sturdy boots are more practical than trainers on wet cobblestones.

The format rewards staying out late and moving between venues rather than camping at a single location all evening. The city’s after-midnight energy during Airwaves is unlike any other time of year.

Getting there

Reykjavík is served by Keflavík International Airport, around 50 km from the city. Airport buses run regularly into the city centre. Our Iceland airport transfers guide covers options and approximate costs. If you are building a longer trip around the festival, our November in Iceland guide covers what the country looks like at that time of year.