Iceland Airwaves returns to downtown Reykjavík from November 5-7, 2026, bringing together emerging international artists, Icelandic favourites and a series of special concerts surrounding the festival’s main three-day program.
The festival’s first wave of artists includes Dove Ellis, Inspector Spacetime, Arima Ederra, MAMMÚT, Skeler, Júníus Meyvant, Liim, Róshildur and Yaelokre, alongside dozens of artists spanning electronic music, alternative, indie and other styles.
Three additional special events will extend the festival beyond its core dates. Shygirl will perform an opening concert on November 4 at Silfurberg in Harpa, Daði Freyr will join the Iceland Symphony Orchestra on November 5 at Eldborg in Harpa, and The Streets will headline a closing show on November 8 at the same venue.
The Streets’ appearance will include a full performance of ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free,’ marking the first time the group has performed the album in its entirety. The special events require separate tickets, with festival pass holders receiving priority and discounts.
The 2026 edition continues Iceland Airwaves’ long-running mix of local and international talent. Among the overseas acts announced are Australian electronic artist Skeler, UK acts Adult DVD and Pollyfromthedirt, Serbian group KOIKOI and Inspector Spacetime.
Iceland’s own music community is represented by a broad group that includes singer-songwriter Júníus Meyvant, Axel Flóvent, MAMMÚT, Oyama, Róshildur and TÁR.
Faroe Music Export will also return with a showcase featuring Tunghoyrt, RSP and Joe & The Shitboys, while The Spanish Wave is scheduled to return with its own showcase.
Other artists announced in the first wave include Liim, SYL, Bana Zahiti, Bleech 9:3, David Bay, virgin orchestra and Amor Vincit Omnia, with further additions still to come.
The festival takes place across venues and cultural spaces throughout downtown Reykjavík, combining intimate performances with larger concerts and industry programming. Iceland Airwaves also functions as a meeting point for artists, agents, promoters, journalists and other music-industry professionals from around the world.
Launched in 1999 as a one-off event inside an airplane hangar, Iceland Airwaves has grown into a three-day music showcase and conference positioned between the North American and European music markets.
Over the years, the festival has featured early appearances from artists including Mac DeMarco, James Blake, Sufjan Stevens, Young Fathers, Sigrid, Florence and The Machine, Hot Chip and Caribou. Icelandic acts to appear during the festival’s history include Of Monsters and Men, Ásgeir, GusGus, múm and Kaleo.
Established artists including Björk, The Flaming Lips, Kraftwerk, Sigur Rós, Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes have also participated in past editions.
The 2026 edition continues the festival’s work with Keychange on gender-balanced lineups while maintaining Iceland Airwaves’ focus on emerging talent and international music-industry connections.
Iceland Airwaves is currently produced by Sena Live with support from founding sponsor Icelandair and in cooperation with the City of Reykjavík.