Happening This Weekend: Our Picks!

We know you’re probably still hungover from New Years—we definitely are. But that’s no excuse not to have a bangin’ weekend in Reykjavík, so here are your not-to-miss events.

Friday:

AAIIEENN ‘Spaces’ Release Concert

Gaukurinn, 21:00, 1,500 ISK

Over the past few years Hallmar Gauti Halldórsson—better known as his alter ego AAIIEENN—has been experimenting with raw analogue synthesiser rhythms and noise. His first album, ‘SPACES‘, serves up ethereal, electro-ish 90’s house on a slightly balearic trip. So come listen and journey into colourful worlds through his eclectic beats. AAIIEENN will be joined by xGADDAVÍRx, AMFJ, and Trouble. By the way, you can read a Grapevine article about AAIIEENN here.

Saturday:

I AM GRÝLA

Nordic House, 11:00-17:00, Free!

Yes, we know Christmas is over, but that said, there’s always time for a good villain. Therefore, we ask you this: Who is Grýla? The illusive female giantess, frightener of children, and villain of Yuletide has been called a lot of things. Here, the Nordic House transforms itself into a Wunderkammer, where the elusive creature takes centre stage. The Nordic House is open everyday from 11:00 to 17:00 and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 21:00. Not in Iceland? You can learn more about Grýla here.

Sunday:

Black Sundays: ‘The Thing’ Screening

Bíó Paradís, 20:00, 1,600 ISK

Roger Ebert gave it 2.5 stars and called it a “gross-out movie in which teenagers can dare one another to watch the screen” that had a problem with “plausibility.” But Roger Ebert also gave ‘Spice World’ 0.5 stars, so who can trust his opinion? In the Grapevine’s opinion, John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ is a masterpiece, and there’s nothing we’d rather do on a Sunday night than grab some popcorn and watch Kurt Russell along a bunch of people that are there to party. On a real note, the special effects do, sort of, hold up.