Iceland has long been a hot spot among adventurers for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture and accessibility (about a six-hour flight from Chicago, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend-long escape).
Lucky for those with the travel bug, the annual Taste of Iceland festival is taking over Chicago this month, in partnership with a bevy of top Icelandic brands including Icelandair, Blue Lagoon Iceland, Reyka Vodka, 66 North and more. From Thursday, Sept. 7 through Saturday, Sept. 9, activations and experiences across the city offer a taste of the land of fire and ice right here in Chicago. Here, a few events we're especially excited about.
Mixologist Jeff Naples leads a cocktail class.
ICELANDIC MENU AT BISTRONOMIC
Throughout the weekend Bistronomic is teaming up with Blue Lagoon Iceland for a pop-up menu inspired by Icelandic flavors and ingredients. Seafood, lamb and skyr are all on the roster. 840 N. Wabash Ave.
WHEEL OF PRIZES
At multiple events throughout the weekend, a wheel of prizes will be on the scene offering winnings, including a trip for two to Iceland.
BOOK TALK WITH THE FIRST LADY OF ICELAND
Kicking off the festivities, Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland and co-founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat, will be at After-Words Bookstore to discuss her critically acclaimed book Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World. 12 p.m., 23 E. Illinois St.
MUSIC AT MARTYRS'
Head over to Martyrs' for a night of Icelandic music hosted by DJ Hermigerville, featuring performances by acts like singer-songwriter JDFR, punk trio GROA, and more. 7 p.m., 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
COCKTAIL CLASS WIRH REYKA VODKA
Learn to drink like the Icelandic do at Reyka Vodka’s mixology class hosted at The Exchange. Attendees will shake up Iceland-inspired cocktails while DJ Hermigervill spins. 5 p.m., 224 S. Michigan Ave.
ELEMENTAL SOUND BATH WITH BLUE LAGOON ICELAND
Iceland energy healer Josa Goodlife will host an hour-long inner peace and healing meditation at Yogaview. Guests will receive a yoga mat, take-home skincare and more, and are invited to an Icelandic breakfast bar. 1 p.m., 2211 N. Elston Ave., Ste. 200
For tickets and the full list of events, visit Inspired by Iceland's site here.
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Taste of Iceland
