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Reykjavík Marathon
This event goes hand-in-hand with the Reykjavik Cultural Night and although international attendance at the marathon is still small, the overall cultural experience is increasing in popularity every year. The marathon has a fantastic festive atmosphere with many spectators encouraging the athletes from the sidelines. It takes place in and around the beautiful town of Reykjavik and the runners get to enjoy the scenic location of the race. Apart from the marathon there is a half-marathon, a six-mile (10km) run, and a two-mile (3km) fun run.
Venue: Laekjargata, the center of Reykjavik
Date: 22 August 2009
Time: 8am to 3pm
Website: www.marathon.is/pages/english4/?iw_language=en

Reykjavík Cultural Night
Throughout the night, the sun never sets on the city's cultural celebrations in the form of music, live performance and exhibitions. Shops and bars stay open later to cater for the thousands who attend. The Reykjavik Marathon is run in the morning and visitors from abroad are treated to a double dose of what Reykjavik has to offer.
Venue: Central Reykjavik
Date: 22 August 2009

Reykjavik Jazz Festival
The Reykjavik Jazz Festival is one of the most popular events for jazz enthusiasts, as the city itself appears to be so well suited to the bustling genre. Local and international acts infiltrate the city for five days bringing with them a variety of different jazz styles, from various eras.
Date: August 2009 TBA
Website: www.jazz.is

Independence Day
Each year through most of the major towns and cities across Iceland, parades and musical celebrations take place to commemorate the date of Iceland attaining independence from Denmark in 1944. The day is a celebration of Icelandic culture exploring many of the myths and traditions associated with this fascinating land.
Venue: Throughout the country
Date: 17 June 2008

The Arctic Open
The Arctic Open Golf Championship is an international event which draws golfers - both amateur and professional - and spectators from various parts of the world. Apart from the magnificent natural scenery surrounding the Akureyri Golf Club, the chief attraction of the tournament is the prospect of teeing off at 10pm thanks to the near-perpetual sunlight of the Icelandic summer. First held in 1986, the Arctic Open celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006 with a record field. The venue has the distinction of being the northernmost golf course in the world, as recognized by the Royal Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews golfer's Handbook.
Venue: Akureyri Golf Club
Date: 26-28 June 2008
Website: www.arcticopen.is/arcticen

Thorrablot
Thorrablot, also known as the Mid-winter Feast, sees the capital of Reykjavic and her restaurants open up to crowds of thousands and a menu that was surely concocted by the Addams Family's Lurch or, possibly, the witches from Macbeth. If the vikings have been historically misconstrued as hairy savages who drank too much, this traditional feast might not help the bad rap, but it will provide a novel experience to anybody visiting Iceland. It includes Hákarl (putrefied shark), Hrútspungur (ram's scrotum with testicles) and Svið (jellied sheep's head). Over dinner, your host might share a riveting viking tale while you sample the foods that the empire once enjoyed. After the meal, take a swig or two of Brennivin (a very potent Icelandic Schnapps) and revel the night away with traditional dances, music and games
Venue: All around the city
Date: Mid-January to mid-February, annually
Time: 24hrs

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