Taste of Iceland 2023, presented by Inspired by Iceland, will make its way to Seattle, Washington, from Thursday, October 5th to Saturday, October 7th. Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, shares a Sister City relationship with Seattle. Over three days, this cultural festival will celebrate the fascinating aspects of Icelandic culture, spanning food and beverages, music, literature, film, art, wellness, and more, with a lineup of over a dozen events across the city.
Taste of Iceland aims to share the rich traditions and culture of Iceland with North American audiences. Collaborating with local businesses and official partners, the festival will host events at various venues, including KEXP, The Carlile Room, Life on Mars, Hometeam, Majestic Bay Theatres, AETHER, and the National Nordic Museum.
While most events are free and open to the public, some require tickets for entry, and attendees are encouraged to arrive promptly. Tickets can be obtained through the Taste of Iceland Website, and reservations are necessary for the prix-fixe Icelandic dinner, which can also be made on their website.
Festival Schedule:
Daily from October 5th to 7th
– Icelandic Menu at The Carlile Room:
From October 5th to 7th, starting at 4:30 PM, Chef Michael Webster of The Carlile Room, in collaboration with Blue Lagoon Iceland Head Chef Arnar Páll Sigrúnarson, will prepare a pop-up menu inspired by Icelandic flavors and ingredients, featuring seafood, lamb, and skyr. Reservations are available through the Taste of Iceland website.
– HÆ/HI: Designing Friendship:
Hae/Hi presents “Saman/Together,” a design exhibition promoting interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences. This exhibition features 18 interdisciplinary design studios from Reykjavík and Seattle, emphasizing collaboration between Icelandic and Seattle-based studios. The exhibition runs from October 5th (5-7 PM) and October 6th-7th (12-5 PM) at Hometeam.
– Wheel of Prizes Presented by Icelandair:
Attendees at various events during the Taste of Iceland festival in Seattle have the chance to win prizes, including a trip for two to Iceland. The contest occurs on October 5th (6:50 PM at KEXP), October 6th (3:50 PM at Life on Mars), and October 7th (12:50 PM at the National Nordic Museum).
Icelandair is also offering special sales on roundtrip flights from Seattle to Iceland, with prices starting at $499 for travel between October 22, 2023, and February 29, 2024.
Thursday, October 5th
– Reykjavik Calling: Iceland Airwaves Off-Venue:
This free concert, presented by the City of Reykjavík in collaboration with Iceland Airwaves and KEXP, features Icelandic artists Daniel Hjalmtysson and GRÓA. The event will be co-hosted by KEXP DJ Kevin Cole and DJ Hermigervill. It takes place at 7 PM at KEXP.
Friday, October 6th
– Icelandic Cocktail Class with Reyka Vodka:
A free Icelandic cocktail class led by Reyka Vodka’s brand ambassador and mixologist, Jeffrey Naples. Attendees will learn how to make Iceland-inspired cocktails and enjoy music from DJ Hermigervill. The event starts at 4 PM at Life on Mars.
– Beautiful Beings Film Screening and Director Q&A:
A free screening of “Beautiful Beings,” Iceland’s official submission to the 2023 Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson. It takes place at 7 PM at Majestic Bay Theatres.
Saturday, October 7th
– Secrets of the Sprakkar with Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland, with Margaret Willson:
An event featuring Eliza Reid, the First Lady of Iceland and co-founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat, discussing her book, “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World.” She will be in conversation with Margaret Willson, author of “Woman, Captain, Rebel: The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain.” The event begins at 10:30 AM at the National Nordic Museum.
– Elemental Sound Bath with Blue Lagoon Iceland and Icelandic Provisions Skyr Bar:
Led by Icelandic energy healer Jósa Goodlife, this event offers an hour of inner peace and healing meditation. Participants will receive complimentary items and refreshments. It starts at 11 AM at AETHER.
– 66°North Fireside Chat:
Adventure photographer and 66°North Brand Ambassador Chris Burkard will share his experiences and stunning images from his journeys in Iceland. The National Nordic Museum will also host a photo exhibition titled “50 times and counting, because once wasn’t enough!” showcasing Burkard’s work. The event commences at 3 PM at the National Nordic Museum.
Taste of Iceland is an annual festival that showcases Icelandic culture. The festival is presented in partnership with and supported by various organizations, including Icelandair, Visit Reykjavík, Icelandic Seafood, Business Iceland, Reyka Vodka, Blue Lagoon Iceland, 66°North, Icelandic Provisions, Icelandic Lamb, Icelandic Glacial, Landsvirkjun, and Isavia Keflavik International Airport. Taste of Iceland has previously been held in Washington D.C., New York, NY, and Chicago, IL, as part of its 2023 North America events.
For more information about Inspired by Iceland and Taste of Iceland, visit www.inspiredbyiceland.com.
To learn more about Business Iceland, visit www.businessiceland.is.
For media inquiries or to attend Taste of Iceland events, contact [email protected].
