VAKA Folk Festival 2025 takes place for the tenth time, September 15–21. The festival will be held across Kópavogur and Reykjavík with a diverse programme for the whole family.

The festival features leading rímur-chanters alongside folk artists from Iceland, Norway and beyond, with workshops, lectures and concerts on offer.

This year’s main theme is Danslög Jónasar – a collection of violin works by Jónas Helgason from 1864. This forgotten part of Iceland’s musical heritage now comes to light in a new book accompanied by recordings. The book launch takes place on Friday, September 19, at Kópavogur Public Library, followed the same evening by a gala concert in Salurinn with Icelandic and Norwegian artists.

On Saturday, September 20, a family programme will be held in Kópavogur’s cultural hub, where young and old alike can try their hand at traditional Icelandic cross-stitch, experience Colombian percussion, and get to know the Icelandic langspil.

At the festival’s high point, the Vaka Party, guests are invited to a grand feast presented by Krónikan in Salurinn’s specially designed foyer, created by Björn Loki of Krot&Krass and FÚSK. The evening continues with entertainment at the banquet tables before a dance kicks off to the music of Norway’s finest dance musicians, and finally concludes with a folk music fusion set by DJ Kraftgalli.

Most festival events are free of charge.

Full programme and further information: vakareykjavik.is.

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