Home  /   Europe  /   Reykjavik Events  /   Gay Pride

Reykjavik Pride 2026

Reykjavik Pride or Hinsegin dagar as it is known in Icelandic, is a festival where the whole nation comes together.

  • Event Dates

    From: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
    To: Sunday, August 9, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • The Reykjavik Pride Ball
    • The Opening Ceremony
    • The pride parade
    • Big queer dance
    • Six day festival filled
    • Queer cruise
    • Gay walks
    • Drag queens and more

Reykjavik Pride 2026 attracting more than 100,000 visitors.

Reykjavik Pride, or “Hinsegin dagar” as it is known in Icelandic, is a festival where the whole nation comes together in celebrating the fact that in Iceland you can enjoy the freedom of being and living as you are.

  • Laugavegur is the long main shopping street at the heart of gay Reykjavik. Here you will find the small but interesting gay scene at the corner of Klapparstigur. Stay at the Hotel Borg an elegant Art Deco-style Hotel Borg overlooking the historic Austurvollur Square in central Reykjavik. Laugavegur shopping street is  200m away.

The Event

  • Next Edition: Tuesday 4th August 2026 – Sunday 9th August 2026.
  • Reykjavik Pride has been one of our top trending Pride celebrations for August for the past two years, and no wonder! The city is one of the friendliest in Europe with a lively gay scene, friendly locals, sexy hot springs and a unique pride celebration that turns the entire city into Rainbowland for 6 days straight!
  • Discover the top gay places to party, stay and play with our Gay Reykjavik Guide.

Reykjavik Pride Parade

  • Saturday 8th August, 2026 – The pride parade is the main event of the festival and it’s getting bigger and more elaborate each year. The Parade takes place on the final Saturday of the event at 2pm.
  • The parade starts at Tækniskólinn and the will walk down Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur, Bankastærti, Fríkirkjuvegur, Sóleyjargata and will end by the stage in Hljómaskálagarður. Setup starts at 12pm at Tækniskólinn by Skólavörðuholt.
  • Stay close to the pride parade and enjoy the suite-life at the Tower Suites Reykjavik, rated “Fabulous” by guests, featuring spacious rooms and suites offering stunning city views.

Reykjavik Pride After Party

  • After the parade ends, the party continues at Hljómaskálagarður, where the concerts and festivities take place. The program includes some local and international acts, drag queens, DJs and live performances. The event runs from 3 pm to 4.30 pm.
  • Enjoy your very own “Superb” rated apartment right by the pride festival at the Residence Aparthotel, featuring stylish apartments with an excellent location.

The Pride Festival

  • Tuesday 4th August, 2026 to Saturday, 8th August, 2026 – Enjoy a week long festival filled with exciting events, lectures, a queer cruise, gay walks, a family festival, concerts, gallery openings, parties, a Pride parade and a big queer post parade dance party on the final Saturday of the weekend.

Opening Ceremony

  • Tuesday 4th August, 2026 – 8 pm – The Opening Ceremony is one of the biggest nights during Reykjavik Pride. The event consists of opening speeches, music, performances and more. Venue to be confirmed.

Other Events

  • Expect a range of events including drag brunches, karaoke parties and more.
  • Awaiting full schedule of events.

Popular Gay Bars in Reykjavik

  • Kiki Queer BarSkólavörðustígur 22: Imagine a place where Björk's eccentricity meets the pulsating rhythm of the Eurovision Song Contest. That's Kiki for you! With its neon-lit rainbow exterior, Kiki stands as a vibrant beacon on Reykjavik’s nightlife street. Whether you're shaking a leg to ABBA's greatest hits or chilling with an Icelandic beer, this place never disappoints.
  • BravoLaugavegur 22: Sitting on Reykjavik's main shopping street, Bravo might seem like an unassuming bar at first. But as night falls, this place morphs into a lively melting pot of locals, tourists, and anyone ready for a fun time. Known for its open-minded clientele and the spontaneous sing-alongs that can erupt at any moment, Bravo is not just gay-friendly but ‘everybody-friendly’.
  • PalomaNaustin 1-3: While not exclusively a gay bar, Paloma's top floor frequently hosts LGBTQ+ nights, making it a favorite among the community. Da

Gay Reykjavik and where to stay?

The following hotels are all close to the city's top attractions and pride celebrations:

Alda Hotel,   Room With A View,   Hotel Frón,    CenterSpot Apartments

Gay Map of Reykjavik

The gay bars are on the street Laugavegur, so we have chosen Hotels close to both the gay bars in this area that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner

Address: Laugavegur 28, 101 Reykjavík

  • Design-led boutique hotel right in central of Reykjavík.
  • Close to Reykjavík gay nightlife with bars within an easy walk.
  • Modern Nordic rooms with a calm feel after busy nights out.
  • Location puts restaurants and late-night spots right outside.
  • Good choice if you want nightlife access without a party-hotel vibe.
  • A stylish city base where the social energy stays on your doorstep.
  • Website

Address: Laugavegur 66-68, 101 Reykjavík

  • Boutique hotel on the quieter upper stretch of Laugavegur.
  • Close to Reykjavík gay nightlife, around a short walk away.
  • Calm Nordic-style rooms that feel restful after late nights.
  • Restaurants, cafés, and bars start right outside the door.
  • Location balances nightlife access with a quieter sleep.
  • A stylish base for exploring 101 Reykjavík on foot.
  • Website

Address: Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík

  • Boutique hotel in Reykjavík’s historic centre with a quiet feel.
  • Close to Reykjavík gay nightlife, easy walking distance to bars.
  • Calm Nordic-style rooms suited to relaxing after late evenings.
  • Set on a residential street just off the main social areas.
  • Strong balance between central location and peaceful atmosphere.
  • A reliable base for travellers mixing sightseeing and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: Smiðjustígur 4, 101 Reykjavík

  • Boutique-style city hotel in the heart of central Reykjavík.
  • Close to Reykjavík gay nightlife, easy walking distance at night.
  • Modern Nordic rooms with a warm, social atmosphere.
  • Set among restored buildings that feel local and characterful.
  • Great base for bars, restaurants, and city exploring on foot.
  • Stylish choice if you want comfort right in the action.
  • Website

Address: Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavík (entrance from Klapparstígur)

  • Gay bar and club on Laugavegur, entrance from Klapparstígur.
  • Upstairs venue across two floors with a tight, lively layout.
  • Thursdays bring karaoke nights and a strong local social mix.
  • Fridays and Saturdays lean drag shows, DJs, and packed dancing.
  • A Reykjavík staple where most late-night queer plans end up.
  • Open: Thu: 8pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 8pm-4:30am
  • Facebook

Address: Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavík

  • Gay bar downstairs at Laugavegur 22, right in the centre.
  • Day-to-night spot with vinyl vibes and a relaxed hangout feel.
  • Strong pre-Kiki meeting point that stays busy late at weekends.
  • Happy hour draws locals, travellers, and regulars into the mix.
  • Ideal for an easy start that can turn into your whole night.
  • Open: Sun-Thu: 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 12pm-2am
  • Instagram

Address: Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík

  • A mixed live-music venue with a strong LGBTQ+ crowd.
  • Downtown spot that feels raw, local, and loud in a good way.
  • Offering everything, from bands and DJs to karaoke and drag.
  • Best when an event is on and the room packs out wall-to-wall.
  • A go-to choice for Reykjavík’s alternative nightlife, not a quiet drink.
  • Open: Sun-Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-3am
  • Facebook

Address: Bankastræti 7, 101 Reykjavík

  • Gay friendly rooftop café-bar in the Loft HI Hostel.
  • Rooftop terrace is the star when Reykjavík gives you clear skies.
  • Daytime coffee feel that flips into busy pre-night drinks later on.
  • Happy hour pulls a steady local-and-traveller crowd in the centre.
  • Best for an easy first stop right off Laugavegur before late bars.
  • Open: Daily 8am-11pm
  • Facebook

Address: Veltusund 1, 101 Reykjavík

  • Gay friendly disco-cocktail spot known as an LGBT hotspot.
  • Two-floor setup in the 101 centre, right by the downtown bar circuit.
  • Latin-leaning party nights with DJs and a busy dancefloor.
  • Gets packed fast on weekends, with the best energy at peak hours.
  • Great pick when you want a central late-night plan without taxis.
  • Open: Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-3am
  • Website

Recommended Hotels in Reykjavik By Bookning

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Reykjavik that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Canopy by Hilton
4 Star, Luxury

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
Booking.com
  • 4-star, 2-minute walk from Laugavegur Shopping Street.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Minimalist design, walk-in shower.
  • Stylish and central, perfect for exploring Reykjavik's vibrant shopping and cultural scenes.

Alda Hotel Reykjavík
4 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 4-star, on central Laugavegur shopping street.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Flat-screen TV, free WiFi.
  • Modern comfort in Reykjavik's heart, with stunning city or sea views, ideal for leisure.

Hotel Ódinsvé
4 Star, Great Value

Hotel Ódinsvé
Booking.com
  • 4-star, near Laekjartorg Square, free Wi-Fi.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Satellite TV, hardwood floors.
  • Charming and cozy, offering a blend of comfort and convenience in central Reykjavik.

ION City Hotel
4 Star, Location

ION City Hotel
Booking.com
  • 4-star, on Laugavegur shopping street, fitness centre.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Seating area, sea or city views.
  • Contemporary and chic, perfect for urban explorers looking for stylish accommodation.

Video Of Reykjavik Pride

Highlights of Reykjavik Pride

The Exeter Hotel

Other Events in August

Dollywood Summer Celebration

Dollywood Summer Celebration

From: Jun. 14.2026 - To: Aug. 03.2026
Dollywood’s Summer Celebration is—just as the name implies—a celebration of fun and laughter at a place everyone loves.
Amsterdam Gay Pride

Amsterdam Gay Pride

From: Jul. 25.2026 - To: Aug. 08.2026
Unlike any other gay parade this one is held on the canals of Amsterdam, in brightly decorated barges and boats. one of the most unique pride events
Vancouver Gay Pride

Vancouver Gay Pride

From: Jul. 25.2026 - To: Aug. 02.2026
Vancouver gay pride is one of the most largest prides in North America and takes place in the sizzling Canadian Summer month of August with a great parade.
Amsterdam WorldPride

Amsterdam WorldPride 2026

From: Jul. 25.2026 - To: Aug. 08.2026
Amsterdam takes centre stage in 2026, hosting both WorldPride and EuroPride in one epic celebration at the end of July, marking it as the gay capital of the world.
Stockholm Pride

Stockholm Pride

From: Jul. 27.2026 - To: Aug. 02.2026
Stockholm Pride takes place in the height of the Summer Season in August attracting more than 600,000 people and includes a great parade and pride village.