Shirts Off Vibes At Reykjavík Bear Festival As Mr Reykjavík Bear Debuts
The bears are back in Reykjavík, and this year the party is bigger than ever. The annual Reykjavík Bear Festival kicks off today, August 28, running through to the 31st for a weekend packed with community events and Icelandic adventures.
This isn’t just any festival, it marks a double anniversary, celebrating five years of the festival itself and 20 years of the Icelandic Bear community. Approximately 100 guests from around the world are expected to attend.
So, who will be the first Mr Reykjavík Bear?
For the first time, the festival is holding the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest. The competition will see a panel of judges, including Mr. Bear Europe 2025, look for a winner who represents the confidence and diversity of the global bear community. The contest includes a talent show and a public vote, giving everyone a say in who takes home the inaugural title. The man who wins will act as an ambassador for the community, attending events at home and abroad. You can cast your vote and check out the candidates on the Reykjavík Bear website.
It’s a full Icelandic adventure.
Beyond the main contest at the Lemmy event space, the four day festival schedule is designed to give visitors a real taste of Iceland. The itinerary includes sightseeing tours of the famous Golden Circle and relaxing trips to three different geothermal lagoons: the Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Hvammsvík Hot-springs.
There are themed parties planned for every night, including the popular Friday Top Off party, ensuring there is plenty of time to socialise.
The community behind the party.
The event is organised by Bangsafélagið, a non profit group also known as The Bears of Iceland. Since its founding in 2019, the group has worked to provide a safe social space for the local bear community. A core part of its mission is to stand against body shaming and promote acceptance for everyone, regardless of body type or gender identity, within the broader LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and others) community. As part of its work, Bangsafélagið partners with Samtökin ’78, the National Queer Organisation of Iceland.
