Get ready for a Nordic adventure without leaving the city. Taste of Iceland, the annual fest celebrating the Sister City connection between Seattle and Reykjavik, is back from October 3-5. As in past years, this three-day event brings the best of Icelandic culture right to your doorstep – from incredible food to music, literature, and design.

A Culinary Journey

Food lovers are in for a tasty treat with the Icelandic Menu at Palace Kitchen (October 3-5). Chef Ísak Aron Jóhannsson, captain of Iceland’s National Culinary team, will collaborate with Palace Kitchen’s Executive Chef Ron Anderson to create a pop-up menu inspired by Icelandic flavors. Get ready to tuck in for a true taste of the island nation with dishes that feature Icelandic seafood, lamb, and the ever-popular yogurt-like skyr.

If all of that food is making you thirsty, check out the Icelandic Cocktail Class with Reyka Vodka (October 4).  This free and interactive class at Life on Mars is led by Reyka Brand Ambassador and mixologist Jeff Naples. He’ll show you how to shake and stir Iceland-inspired cocktails so you can impress your friends at home. Cocktails will definitely be consumed making this a 21+ event.

Hands-On Experiences

If you want to roll up your sleeves and get in on the action, a Demo & Dine cooking class (October 4) allows diners to learn from Icelandic Chefs Haflidi Halldorsson and Ísak Aron Jóhannsson. The class will cover the preparation of an Icelandic cod starter, lamb main course, and of course, a dessert that leans heavily on the aforementioned skyr.

Music and Literature

A popular night out for music lovers is the Reykjavik Presents: Iceland Airwaves Off-Venue concert at the KEXP Gathering Space (October 3). This year, the Icelandic talent includes a couple up-and-comers as lúpína and Sunna Margrét take to the sage. DJ Hermigervill will also be on hand to close the night’s festivities.  Also be sure to catch DJ Hermigervill the following night at Shibuya Hi-Fi where he will spin vinyl from Icelandic’s music scene of the 1970s. 

Literature takes center stage “How Words Shape a City,” (October 4) a discussion featuring Reykjavik’s Mayor, bestselling Icelandic authors Ragnar Jónasson and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and Seattle’s own literary figures.

Design and Astronomy

It’s the merging of the minds with the Hæ/Hi: Vol III | Welcome exhibition at Railspur Gallery (October 4). The collaborative works from Icelandic and Seattle-based design studios tackle the themes of arrival, departure, greetings, and goodbyes.

And for those stargazers out there, look no further than the discussion of Iceland’s natural wonders and the Northern Lights (October 5) . Astronomy educator Sævar Helgi Bragason will be on hand to give a talk on all things stars, nature and the aurora borealis – he is known as the “Star-Sævar,”after all.

Grand Finale

Before the big closing night party, ease into the day with the Elemental Sound Bath with Blue Lagoon Iceland and Icelandic Provisions Skyr Bar (October 5). A great way to center your energy as Jósa Goodlife guides you through an hour of healing meditation. Bonus: you get to take your Blue Lagoon Iceland yoga mat with you to continue the good vibes until your next trip to Iceland. 

The festivities roll into the final evening with “Icelandair Presents – Concert, Comedy & Cocktails” at Block 41. The celebration includes stand-up comedy by Ari Eldjárn, followed by musical performances from singer-songwriter Bríet and rapper Birnir.

Wheel of Prizes

A popular sighting throughout the festival is the Wheel of Prizes presented by Icelandair. At the various Taste of Iceland events, the wheel makes an appearance where you might get a chance for a spin to win some pretty dope prizes, including a trip for two to Iceland.

Most events are free and open to the public, with tickets available through the Taste of Iceland website. Paid events include the Icelandic dinner at Palace Kitchen and the cooking class at Hot Stove Society.