Hamraborg Festival is a vibrant, week-long celebration of art and community in the heart of Kópavogur. Taking place annually at the end of August, the festival marks the end of summer with a rich program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public events — all free and open to everyone.

This year’s festival runs from August 29 to September 5 in 2025, taking place at culture houses, shopfronts, cafés, offices, and public spaces throughout Hamraborg. Art spills into and sprouts from almost every corner of the neighborhood, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore, and celebrate art in all its forms.

As Hamraborg Festival turns five years old, we mark this milestone with a curatorial focus on growth, nurturing, and cultivation of connections. This year’s theme reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening relationships between artists and the communities they engage with.

Rooted in an urban context, the festival seeks to continue a dialogue between various artistic practices and the social, environmental, and architectural characteristics of Hamraborg.

Equally central to this year’s theme is a dedication to reaching all kinds of audiences — from children and families to punks, long-time residents to newcomers, and casual passersby.

All exhibitions will be spread across Hamraborg, with works displayed at locations such as Visitor, EuroMarket, Polo Vape Shop, the Kópavogur Library, Gerðarsafn, the Natural History Museum, and public spaces all around.

The participating artists represent a spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds, including both artists connected to Kópavogur and others coming from abroad - this year, we are pleased to welcome artists from Canada, Poland, and Wales.

The festival kicks off on Friday, August 29, with a colorful parade, featuring marching bands and a Performance Night at Gerðarsafn.

Saturday, August 30, is full of workshops for all ages, sound performances, and interactive events happening throughout the day. In the evening, the festival hosts a major concert at Catalina featuring Búdrýgindi, Kælan Mikla, MC Myasnoi, and DJ sets.

On Sunday, August 31, the program will continue with more performances and family-friendly workshops, ending with a concert at Salurinn, featuring Björg Brjánsdóttir, Ingibjörg Turchi, and Andervel.

Festival exhibitions and additional events, including DJ Amma - a new piece from Ásrún Magnúsdóttir and Halla Þórlaug Óskarsdóttir, will continue throughout the week, until September 5th.

Let’s sprout, grow, and blossom together in Hamraborg. Join us in celebrating five years of art and community! Go Hamraborg!