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The Drop In is joined by SIGMAR ÞÓR MATTHÍASSON, current director of the Reykjavík Folk Festival, which runs 19–21 March 2026. The festival is modeled on international tradition, with the joy of playing at its heart and unamplified instruments taking centre stage. The first festival was held with this guiding principle in 2010. The driving force, visionary, chief architect and first executive director of the Reykjavík Folk Festival was Ólafur Þórðarson, a beloved musician and a member of the band Ríó Tríó and several other acts, as well as a staunch supporter of countless musicians.

Sigmar joined us to discuss how this festival is continuing, with musicians handling everything to include lighting, and local Reykjavík brewers Ægir making a custom beer for the event. 

Folk music has sometimes been defined as music or musical influences that trace their origins to the ordinary common person — a musical heritage passed down from person to person, generation to generation. More often than not, this can be traced back to friends or family coming together to sing and play freely and spontaneously. It might therefore be more accurate to speak of it as "people's music" (alþýðutónlist).

The main programme of the Reykjavík Folk Festival takes place at Iðnó on Friday 20 March and Saturday 21 March.

Tickets can be found at tix.is 

More information at:

facebook.com/reykjavikfolkfestival

instagram.com/reykjavikfolkfestival

PROGRAMME:

Friday 20 March

• Iðnó — free admission 18:00 — MÍT Showcase concert, Ásgeir Helgi & Theodóra
• Iðnó 
• 19:00 — Doors open, Ásgeir Ásgeirsson performs on “oud” 20:00 — Svavar Knútur 
• 21:00 — Umbra 
• 22:00 — Ode to Icelandic Folk Music (artists of the evening joined by Snorri Helgason and Brek)
• Ægir 101 
• 23:00 — After-party, bar discounts for ticket holders

Saturday 21 March

• Iðnó — free admission, life and energy in all spaces! 
• 13:00 — Danslög Jónasar, introduction and dancing 
• 15:00 — Family programme, clapping games with Sigga & Ingibjörg
• Iðnó 
• 19:00 — Doors open, Margrét Arnar performs on accordion 20:00 — Soffía Björg & Fríða Dís 
• 21:00 — Árstíðir 
• 22:00 — Una Torfa
• Ægir 101 
• 23:00 — After-party, bar discounts for ticket holders