The Countdown to Totality Begins: Iceland Eclipse

In less than a year, the moon will move between the Earth and Sun, creating a total solar eclipse. What better place to view and celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event than in one of the countries where you will be able to see the totality?

Iceland Eclipse is a four-day festival that starts on the day of the eclipse, Aug. 12, 2026, going until Aug. 15 in Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland. This is more than just a music festival; it includes programming that will span beyond the typical music and art world into astronomy, tech, wellness and beyond.

Co-created by IMXP, short for Immersive Experience, and Secret Solstice, the Icelandic music and culture festival held under the midnight sun, the festival promises to honor the traditions of eclipse gatherings and the togetherness it brings. The eclipse itself will be two minutes of darkness, with the rest of the festival being anything but. The first 100-plus artists, speakers and visionaries have been announced.

Festivalgoers can enjoy music from artists like MEDUZA³, Berlioz and Iceland’s very own Emilíana Torrini. Between the DJs and live performers, enjoy talks from participants from Space for Humanity, the UN, NASA, and more.

Taking place in Hellissandur, Iceland’s street art capital, the region’s beautiful scenery including cascading waterfalls and remote beaches to volcanic craters, geothermal hot springs and glacial caves will provide the perfect backdrop and playground for an out-of-this-world festival. With conservation of this unique landscape in mind, Iceland Eclipse supports initiatives like EarthPercent, who connects the music industry with climate solutions, and the leave-no-trace principle.

Iceland Eclipse has four key experience pillars. DANCE – music as a universal language. The genre-rich lineup will provide the perfect soundtrack to move your body.

LEARN – ideas to expand your world. Keynotes, workshops and labs are scheduled across the festival to keep your mind engaged. From indigenous knowledge, digital ethics and AI, there will be no shortage of opportunities to hear from the brightest minds.

CONNECT – a sanctuary for soul, spirit and ceremony. Cosmic Pineapple is partnering with Iceland Eclipse in a program focusing on connection in practices including yoga and meditation, ceremony and nature connection. There will be nightly fire ceremonies led by Icelandic and international wisdom keepers and Icelandic Chill-Out Lounge by Mama Reykjavík will provide a space to relax and recharge.

EXPLORE – adventures across the elements. ReWilding Iceland will partially lead the program which invites participants to reconnect with nature, spirit and self. Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, who oversees conservation of the beautiful Snæfellsjökull National Park, and Kári Viðarsson, who will share stories and insights from Hellissandur’s local art and mural scene, are just two of the voices participants will be able to learn from in the dynamic backdrop of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. These pillars are sure to set the stage for a cosmic experience.

The fun doesn’t just start on the eclipse. Iceland Eclipse will be hosting a monthlong Innovation Residency across Hellissandur, Rif and Ólafsvík from July 19-Aug. 15. Participants will develop and present projects inspired by the eclipse and Iceland’s powerful landscape.

The residency combines hands-on project building, daily nature excursions and wellness rituals, creating a collaborative environment for cross-disciplinary creation. Participants will live and work together in shared spaces, with access to studios, labs, supported by dedicated mentors. Applications for project leads and collaborators will be accepted through the end of the year.

First Contact – Eclipse Seeker (GA) and First Contact – Celestial Voyager (VIP) tickets are on sale now with a limited capacity of 3,333 participants. Car parking and camping passes are sold separately and are also available for purchase.