Festivals Outside Of Reykjavík

There’s a lot going on in Iceland’s capitol this month. We’re sure you’re all hyped up for DesignMarch, Reykjavík Fashion Festival and the Reykjavík Blues Festival. These are all surefire events, and it will be time to find time to go to work and stuff between all the parties and hangovers and cleaning broken bottles and condoms out of your back yard and all.

Yeah, Reykjavík is all fine and dandy, but the rest of the island can be pretty damn awesome too, as you should learn for yourself. And you know what – they have festivals out there too! That’s not all; two of the more awesome ones are happening THIS VERY MARCH. Namely Aldrei fór ég suður (“I never went south”) music festival in Ísafjörður and the 700.is Reindeerland experimental film and video festival in Egilsstaðir. You should go there.

700.is Reindeerland – March 20-27

For the fifth year running, the good people of Egilsstaðir are staging an insanely ambitious film and video festival in the East Iceland. This weeklong film festival has been steadily gaining acclaim and momentum since debuting in 2006, and for good reason too. The programme is meticulously put together and will screen a total of 77 pieces over its weeklong. There are furthermore lectures, exhibitions and parties to your heart’s delight. Grapevine urges you to expand your horizons and check out the artiest film-fest Iceland has to offer. The East of Iceland is also freakishly beautiful to boot. More info at www.700.is.

Aldrei fór ég suður, April 2-4

Any plans for Easter? If yes, dismiss them. Now. Seriously, there is but one Easter activity worthy of your attention. And boy is it worthy. So secure your ride to Ísafjörður NOW and be prepared to enjoy two days of the finest music Icelandic has to offer at Aldrei fór ég suður. This legendary bash has been an annual event since 2004, and is definitely not an insider tip any more. It’s still just as awesome as when it was.  This year’s line-up is very promising already, even though they haven’t announced half of it yet: Bloodgroup, Hjaltalín, Morðingjarnir, Hudson Wayne, Ólöf Arnalds and legendary Ísafjörður grungemasters Urmull are all confirmed to play. By the way, there are no tickets available. Why? Because the whole thing’s for FREE! See y’all there.