April in Reykjavík: Culture, Cocktails & a Hint of Summer
As the snow begins to melt and daylight stretches longer into the evenings, Reykjavík slowly wakes up from its winter slumber. April brings with it a fun mix of creativity, celebration, and quirky Icelandic traditions — from world-class festivals and cocktail tastings to comedy nights and early summer parades. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or living here year-round, here’s what not to miss this April in the city.
Reykjavík Cocktail Week | March 31 – April 6
Kicking off the month with style (and a splash of something strong), Reykjavík Cocktail Week celebrates the city’s booming cocktail scene. Bars across town are mixing up signature drinks, and bartenders compete for the title of Iceland’s Cocktail Champion. SKÝ Lounge & Bar is the official bar of the week, so it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some expertly crafted cocktails. Don’t miss the Cocktail Expo in Harpa on April 2nd — a perfect opportunity to taste, learn, and mingle. For more click here.
Eldblóm x Ísafold | April 3
Join us at Ísafold Lounge & Bar (Þingholt by Center Hotels) at 20:00 for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and movement. Grétar Matthíasson, Iceland’s reigning Cocktail Champion, and artist Sigga Soffía the creator of Eldblóm, the Icelandic spritz host a lively panel discussion. Grétar will introduce a brand-new Eldblóm cocktail, and afterwards, Sigga Soffía leads a dance party to keep the night flowing. Check out the event on facebook here.
DesignMarch | April 2 – 6
Iceland’s largest and most exciting design festival takes over the city for five days of exhibitions, talks, product launches, and creativity in all forms. From fashion and furniture to tech and sustainability — this is where Reykjavík shows off its inventive side. For more click here.
Belonging? Comedy Show | April 4
After a sold-out debut last fall, Belonging? returns to Salurinn. This heartfelt and hilarious show features award-winning foreign-born comedians — including Dan Roh, Andrew Sim, Dan Nava, Glo, Joy, and Sparkle — sharing their experiences of living in Iceland as immigrants. Expect laughter, honesty, and some wonderfully weird stories. To buy ticket click here.
House of Revolution: “And… Seen!” | April 5
R.E.C. Arts Reykjavík wraps up their second season of House of Revolution with a powerful finale at Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn (The National Theatre Cellar). “AND…SEEN!” is a dynamic variety show exploring the importance of representation and visibility in art, media, and society. Expect a mix of music, dance, storytelling, and performance from some of Iceland’s boldest voices. For more info have a look at their insta and give them a follow! @recartsrvk and @houseofrevolution. Sliding scale tickets available, to book a ticket click here.
Open Mic Night at SKÝ | April 10
Come hang out at SKÝ Lounge & Bar for a cozy and welcoming night of live performance. Whether you're stepping up to the mic or cheering from the crowd, our open mic night hosted by the lovely Dori is a celebration of local voices, creativity, and spontaneous fun. For more click here.
Reykjavík Early Music Festival – Off-Venue at SKÝ | April 14 & 15
Baroque music, rare instruments, and candlelit vibes — in a cocktail bar? Yes! The Reykjavík Early Music Festival brings its off-venue concerts to SKÝ Lounge & Bar for two unforgettable evenings. Expect enchanting performances by international and Icelandic artists, blending the elegance of the past with the charm of the present. For more click here.
Reykjavík Open | April 9 – 15
Chess fans, take note! Reykjavík Open is one of the most respected open tournaments in the world, attracting grandmasters and rising stars alike. Pop by to watch some intense matches and witness the strategic magic unfold at Harpa Concert Hall. For more click here.
Stockfish Film Festival | April 3 – 13
Reykjavík’s annual art-house film festival returns to Bíó Paradís for its 10th edition, bringing together the best of Icelandic and international cinema. It’s a brilliant chance to discover powerful stories, meet filmmakers, and enjoy the city’s indie film scene at its finest. For more click here.
Easter in Reykjavík | April 17 – 21
Easter in Iceland is all about cozy meals, giant chocolate eggs, and a slower pace. While many locals head to the countryside, you’ll still find special menus in Reykjavík restaurants and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a spring reset. If you want to know more about Icelandic Easter Eggs check out our blog here.
First Day of Summer | April 25
Only in Iceland would summer start in April — and we love that for us. Sumardagurinn fyrsti is a national holiday that dates back to the old Norse calendar, which divided the year into just two seasons: winter and summer. Kids get summer gifts (sumargjafir), parades pop up around the city, and if the temperature drops below freezing the night before, it’s said to promise a warm summer ahead. So bring your gloves — and your sunnies.
Wrapping Up
April in Reykjavík is full of surprises — a perfect mix of culture, laughter, music, and tradition. Whether you're sipping cocktails, laughing at open mic night, or welcoming “summer” with a woolly hat on, one thing’s for sure: there's never a dull moment.