Reykjavik Pride Review: What to Expect for 2026
The Reykjavík Pride one of the most important annual events in Iceland. For which country you can say that? And that feeling catches you from the moment you arrive in Iceland. After last years parade Icelandic news reported around 100,000 participants, which equals roughly 25% of Iceland’s entire population.
📅 Updated with 2026 Pride Date:
Reykjavík Pride Date 2026: 8 August 2026
Updated: January 2026
The Parade through Reykjavik City Centre
The parade was scheduled to start at 2:00 PM at Hallgrímskirkja, with the Skólavörðustígur street leading down from it cordoned off to separate spectators from participants. In reality, though, everyone is welcome to join the march, and many do so spontaneously.
What struck me immediately was how seriously the entire city takes Pride. We passed businesses that were completely closed for the afternoon, with signs on the doors explaining they were shut so staff could go and watch the parade. No one was left behind.
The crowd was very mixed: families with toddlers, teenagers, young adults, and elderly people marching side by side. 25% of the population attending is a figure that is almost impossible to grasp and likely unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Best Spots Along the Route
If you want the most spectacular views, I strongly recommend starting at Hallgrímskirkja. Seeing an ocean of rainbow flags flowing downhill with Iceland’s most iconic church in the background is absolutely stunning. The parade started exactly on minute, with the first walking group heading down Skólavörðustígur, followed shortly by the first float.
I counted around eight floats, which is impressive for a city of this size. About 45 minutes after the first group started, all floats and walking groups had departed from the church. This is the perfect moment to join in if you don’t want to commit from the very beginning.
Another fantastic photo spot is the end of Skólavörðustígur where it meets Bankastræti, where the permanent rainbow-painted street comes into view. From here you can frame the rainbow road with Hallgrímskirkja still visible in the background, which is one of the most iconic Pride images you could take.
Along the entire route, rainbow flags lined lampposts, balconies, houses, and businesses. After Bankastræti, the parade continued along Lækjargata and Fríkirkjuvegur, heading toward Hljómskálagarðurinn park.
One moment that truly stuck with me was passing Fríkirkjan, where the pastor stood outside waving at the marching crowd while from a nearby bear truck, a voice blasted through the speakers asking, “Who likes a big bear?” The contrast was very funny to experience and stands for a society where Pride and tradition coexist without friction.
Parties After the Parade
Around 3:30 PM, the parade reached Hljómskálagarðurinn, transforming the park into a huge open-air picnic in front of the main stage. The concert program was scheduled from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, starting a little late and running closer to 5:30 or 6:00 PM.
We were incredibly lucky with the weather: blue skies, sunshine, and temperatures warm enough for a T-shirt, which are probably a rare thing in ICEland. The stage program featured a strong line up of local artists, but the most powerful moment was the speech by Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, who delivered an inspirational speech. Seeing the country’s political leadership visibly present at Pride felt special.
Evening After Parties
Once the parade and concerts wrapped up, Reykjavík offered surprisingly many options for a city its size to continue the celebration into the night. Official events were spread across the city, so everyone should find something suitable.
Some of the main options included:
A Bears of Iceland Pride Party at Sky Bar
Pride Bingo at Stúdentakjallarinn
Pride night at Reykjavík’s most iconic gay bar, Kiki Queer Bar
The official Reykjavík Pride after party at Iðnó
I personally went to a local after party that wasn’t listed on the official Pride website, called Sleikur and hosted at Austurbæjarbíó, an old movie theatre. The party was phenomenal. The decorations alone, especially the silver “moon lounge” upstairs, felt completely otherworldly. Combined with perfectly curated electronic music and an engaged crowd, it turned into one of the best Pride after parties I’ve experienced anywhere.
Practical Tips for Reykjavík Pride
As with most Pride events, I’d recommend staying at least from Thursday to Sunday to fully experience Reykjavík Pride. That said, Iceland offers so much beyond Pride itself that it would almost be a shame not to stay a full week.
Use the extra time to explore:
Iceland’s unique natural landscapes
Thermal baths and lagoons
Day trips along the Golden Circle or the south coast
Reykjavík Pride is the perfect reason for a longer Iceland adventure.
Where to Stay in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is compact and easy to navigate, so staying centrally makes everything much simpler. The best areas include:
Miðborg (Downtown): Closest to Pride events, nightlife, and the parade route
Vesturbær: West of the centre, near the university, calm but walkable
Hlíðar: Residential, well-connected and quieter
Laugardalur: Green spaces, pools and good bus connections
All of these areas allow you to walk home after Pride events without relying on late-night transport.
Final Thought: Is Reykjavík Pride Worth It?
Reykjavík Pride is not just a celebration, it’s a national moment of unity. With an astonishing participation rate, genuine support across all age groups, and a city that fully transforms itself for the occasion, it stands in a league of its own.
If you’re looking for a unique Pride that combines stunning scenery and heartfelt warmth, Reykjavík Pride is one of the most special experiences you can have.