The Weekend Edit: 4 Things To Do In Reykjavik This Weekend

As May rolls in with its unpredictable snow and teasing sunshine, we still dream of summer from under heavy sweaters and beanies. But don’t let the miserable weather stop you this weekend.

From art exhibits to groovy concerts, we’ve compiled a fresh Weekend Edit to help you choose the most interesting events now held in Reykjavík. If you feel like expanding your horizons, however, you can also check our app Happenings for further suggestions.

Art:

Guðmunda, Thorvalur, & Nína
Runs until May 26th — i8

Picture this: the legacy of three masters of Icelandic abstract painting gathered under one roof at the i8 Gallery.
Nína Tryggvadóttir’s work has strong roots in Icelandic nature, specifically its energy and rough texture. Guðmunda Andrésdóttir was a unique voice in the male-dominated Icelandic art world of the post-war period, with paintings likened to musical improvisation. Thorvaldur Skúlason, the oldest of the three and founder of the Septem group, was the most vocal advocate of progressive artistic movements, which is visible in his atmospheric work.
The gallery is open from 11 am to 6 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturdays. KK

Absence
Runs until May 18th – Listastofan

Absence is a parenthesis, a breathing. People nowadays let themselves go developing a passion for it in a world obsessed with total control and a frantic quest for sensation. Here, eight artists take on this pivotal topic. The exhibition opens on May 3rd.
Opening hours are 13:00-18:00 from Wednesday to Saturday until May 17th. HJC

Activities:

Icelandic Barista Championship
May 3rd to 5th — Dragháls 18 — 12:00 to 17:00

Iceland’s coffee scene keeps thriving, as more cafés and espresso bars pop up all over town. The Icelandic Barista Championship rounds up la creme de la creme of the specialty coffee scene, so expect the competitions to fiercely dramatic, as baristas showcase their ability to brew and construct a perfect cup of coffee, as well as to present their personalised drinks. Winners will then compete in the 2018 World Barista Championship in Amsterdam.

Even if you’re not a brewing master yourself, various cafés including Té&Kaffi and Reykjavík Roasters will have booths set up to satisfy the thirsty crowd. Any coffee aficionado will have the chance to see, smell and taste every variety of coffee roasted and brewed on this godforsaken rock. Be ready for the caffeine overload: this is what paradise tastes like. AD

How to get there: Take Bus #15 or #18 to Vesturlandsvegur / Hálsar, then walk to Dragháls for about 5 minutes.

Music:

JFDR @ Mengi
Friday 4th — MENGI — 21:00 — 2,000 ISK

JFDR has an Enya-were-she-cool aura that vibes pretty well with her latest cover of ‘White Ferrari,’ by Frank Ocean. With her emotive voice left bare, the song pleads at the listener; this viscerality gives the song a deeper layer that feels more profound than the original. Come see her at Mengi and witness the magic. HJC & AD