Toronto is about to feel a little more northern this November. From November 20–22, Taste of Iceland 2025 will transform the city into a celebration of Icelandic culture, cuisine, and creativity — featuring live music, molten lava, art, design, comedy, and more.
Organized by Inspired by Iceland, the annual Taste of Iceland festival gives Canadians a chance to experience the country’s distinctive culture through a series of immersive events, all free or affordably priced, hosted at venues across Toronto including The Dorset, El Mocambo, Jazz Bistro, bulthaup Toronto, STACKT, and the Thornton-Smith Building’s Aperture Room.
A Toast to Iceland: Opening Reception & Icelandic Menu at The Dorset
The festivities begin with an exclusive kickoff reception on Wednesday, November 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Dorset. Guests will enjoy appetizers prepared by Icelandic Chefs Hafliði Halldórsson and Snaedis Xyza Mae Ocampo, featuring premium Icelandic ingredients — from wild seafood to tender lamb and creamy skyr.
Throughout the festival, The Dorset will also offer a special Icelandic prix fixe menu, created by Chef Ocampo and Executive Chef Ryan Lister, available nightly from 4:45 to 9:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 20: Design Meets Sound
Kick off the festival with a deep dive into Iceland’s art and design scene. At bulthaup Toronto, explore From the Depths of Iceland – Dýpi, a sustainable design exhibition highlighting innovative plastic-free paints made from algae — a serene, tactile nod to Iceland’s natural beauty (5:00–7:00 p.m.).
Then, as night falls, the energy rises at El Mocambo – The Starlight Room with the Iceland Airwaves Off-Venue Concert (7:00–10:00 p.m.). The lineup includes RAKEL and Spacestation, with Icelandic music icon DJ Hermigervill spinning between sets. Expect dreamy vocals, ethereal soundscapes, and a dose of Reykjavík’s coolest indie vibes — for free.
Friday, November 21: Flavour and Jazz
Lunchtime brings a delicious learning experience at The Dorset with the Demo & Dine: Icelandic Lunch Experience (12:00–1:30 p.m.). Chefs Halldórsson and Ocampo will guide guests through the making of a multi-course Icelandic meal — including wild cod, lamb, and a skyr dessert.
That evening, head to Jazz Bistro for The Reykjavík Jazz Festival Presents: Skúli Sverrisson and Óskar Guðjónsson (6:00–7:00 p.m.). This free concert marks the duo’s first Canadian performance, offering an intimate and atmospheric glimpse into Iceland’s acclaimed jazz scene.
Saturday, November 22: Lava, Lights, and Laughter
Saturday’s lineup is pure Icelandic magic.
At STACKT Market, the Lava Show brings real molten lava to Toronto — an extraordinary experience where science, art, and nature collide. See the raw power of Iceland’s volcanoes up close at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Families can join award-winning illustrator Rán Flygenring for Draw Iceland’s Stories! (1:00–2:00 p.m.) at the Thornton-Smith Building, a hands-on creative workshop exploring Icelandic tales through art.
Then, take in Northern Lights in Toronto (3:00–4:00 p.m.) — a guided talk and VR experience by astronomy educator Sævar “Astro-Sævar” Bragason, offering insight into Iceland’s skies, solar eclipses, and natural wonders.
Finally, wrap up the festival with Comedy & Cocktails (5:00–7:00 p.m.), hosted by Icelandair and Blue Lagoon Iceland. Comedians Ragnar Ísleifur Bragason and Bergur Ebbi promise an evening of laughter, quirky Icelandic humour, and cocktails inspired by Iceland’s landscapes.
Bonus: Win a Trip to Iceland
At select events, guests can spin the Wheel of Prizes presented by Icelandair — with prizes from festival partners, including a trip for two to Iceland.
Discover Iceland Without Leaving Toronto
Whether you’re drawn by the rhythm of Icelandic jazz, the heat of molten lava, or the flavours of Nordic cuisine, Taste of Iceland 2025 is a sensory journey through one of the world’s most captivating countries — right here in Toronto.
Most events are free, but tickets are required. Learn more and reserve your spots here 👉 Taste of Iceland Toronto
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