Grapevine Events: Christmas Cat In Town, Reykjavík Dance Festival, Shrek Rave & More

Don’t know about you, but we’re still recovering from the Iceland Airwaves shenanigans! For those with a taste of adventure, this weekend’s cultural events are about to kick off. On the lineup: multiple dance festival events, the arrival of the Christmas Cat, Christmas beer tastings, and the first Christmas markets popping up around town. There’s also the Shrek Rave (we’re sending a reporter to find out exactly what that’s all about), topped off by a Gyða Valtýsdóttir show at Harpa. The weather’s absolutely miserable, but at least you’ve got plenty to do if you do decide to venture outside.

For more events, visit events.grapevine.is.

Reykjavík Dance Festival

Runs until Sunday November 17 — Various locations — 19.900 ISK for festival pass

Do you know what your body can do? That’s a question the upcoming iteration of the Reykjavík Dance Festival seeks to answer. Teaming up with Lókal Performance Festival, this synergetic celebration of the arts will offer close to 30 separate events. Some of the festival’s highlights include ‘Hverfa’ and its double-bill ‘Liminal states’, the Lókal-hosted performance ‘What if you held a protest and everyone came?’ For more information and all show times, visit reykjavikdancefestival.com. JB

Christmas Beer Tasting at Gaukurinn

Friday November 15 — Gaukurinn — 3.500 ISK

Christmas in Iceland might be a bit different from many other countries. There’s the Christmas Cat, a whole bunch of Yule Lads, but what would Christmas be without Christmas beer? If you’re in town this Friday, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the country’s best selection of jólabjór — from small craft breweries to the larger producers. The night will be followed by a drag stand-up show. Entry is 2,000 ISK for those participating in the tasting. IZ

Shrek Rave

Friday November 15 & Saturday November 16 — 4.900 ISK — Gamla Bíó

When the Grapevine staff started receiving targeted ads featuring people dressed up as Shrek characters at a rave, it made us take a long, hard look at our online footprint. Having taken the world by storm, the event now graces Reykjavík. This is your chance to layer up (like an onion) and showcase your costume-building skills. The best Shrek-inspired costume gets a prize, hopefully slightly grander than a free glass of vodka and green food colouring. Apparently, the first night was so popular it sold out, necessitating an extra date — so maybe don’t sleep on this one. For more information and tickets, visit shrekraveofficial.com. JB

Christmas Cat Illumination Ceremony

Saturday November 16 — 17:00 — Lækjartorg

Nothing screams CHRISTMAS louder than the arrival of the Christmas Cat at Lækjartorg. According to the legend, the Cat eats children who don’t get new clothes for Christmas. To avoid this mischievous fate, make sure to splurge on some new clothes and don’t miss the Christmas Cat’s illumination ceremony this weekend. Legend also says that attending the ceremony increases your chances of NOT being eaten. IZ

Gyða Valtýsdóttir Epicycle

Wednesday November 20 — Harpa, Norðurljós 7.990 ISK

A talent like no other, Gyða was one of the founding members of the influential band múm before embarking on a highly successful solo career. Having released her landmark album Epicycle in 2016, Gyða now returns to Harpa for a unique interpretation of the work. In the production, Gyða ties together her vast musical knowledge as she explores both ancient and contemporary influences. Joined by friends and collaborators such as Ólöf Arnalds and Skúli Sverrisson, Gyða will conjure up an immersive, captivating world. JB