ICELAND ECLIPSE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES ‘FIRST CONTACT’ PARTICIPANTS


August 12 - 15, 2026 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Set in the mystic Icelandic nature of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland Eclipse Festival invites you to Dance, Learn, Connect, and Explore in the wake of the highly anticipated total solar eclipse 2026, with a program spanning music, art, space, tech, wellness

Initial wave of music artists includes: MEDUZA³, berlioz, GusGus, Emilíana Torrini, Booka Shade, Vök, Zero 7, Nightmares on Wax, Dave Clarke, Ryan Crosson, RJD2, Shaun Reeves, Daði Freyr, gugusar, Hjálmar

Speakers include astronauts from NASA, ESA, Space for Humanity, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, innovation leaders from the United Nations, Citizen’s Foundation, Eden Foundation, Mama Reykjavík, ReWildingIceland, Unify.org and visionaries across science, wellness, art, and consciousness

Programming also explores western Iceland’s dramatic landscape, with a host of opportunities ranging from cascading waterfalls and remote beaches to volcanic craters, geothermal hot springs, and glacial caves

Extremely limited capacity of just 3333 participants

Public announcement going live 12 Aug, 5:45 PM UTC (10:45 AM PT / 1:45 PM ET)
Exclusive community on sale 13 Aug at 15:00 UTC
Public First Contact sale 14 Aug at 15:00 UTC
via
eclipse.is

From August 12–15th 2026, some of the greatest minds in music, arts, science, and wellness will come together for a four-day celebration of human connection and celestial wonder in the path of the solar eclipse in Hellissandur, Iceland.

Today’s announcement sees the first 100-plus artists, speakers, and visionaries inviting us to Dance, Learn, Connect, and Explore through music, ceremony, storytelling, and inspiring experiences. While most events build toward a celestial moment, Iceland Eclipse begins with it. On August 12th at 17:45 UTC, totality will sweep across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, bringing over two full minutes of darkness - one of the longest eclipse totalities in the world, thanks to our position at the westernmost edge of Iceland. This once-in-a-lifetime eclipse won’t return to Iceland until 2196, and it sets the stage for four days of magic and exploration in a land of volcanic majesty, ocean winds, and mythic beauty.

Out of This World Performances

While the main headliner might be overhead, Iceland Eclipse presents the first phase of world-leading artists to keep you dancing through the permanent twilight. Leading the charge is Grammy-nominated Italian powerhouse MEDUZA³, whose hybrid live and DJ sets pack out dance floors worldwide. Elsewhere, melodic techno originators Booka Shade, the good vibes of Nightmares on Wax, electronic evangelists Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves, and rising talent Cici keep the beats moving.

Iceland Eclipse is about place as well as sound. The music of Icelandic artists reflects the elemental beauty and dramatic landscapes of this powerful land: windswept, mystical, and alive with contrast. We’re proud to share these unique sounds of Iceland through electronic-pop pioneers GusGus and Emiiliana Torrini, fan-favorite dreampop outfit Vök, Eurovision icon Daði Freyr, alt-pop starlet gugusar, beloved reggae legends Hjálmar, and more.

Insights from Visionaries Around the World

The Iceland Eclipse Festival speaker program is designed to inspire curiosity, courage, and new ways of thinking, touching on frontiers in technology, sustainability, wellness, creativity, and space.

Experiences That Move You

Iceland Eclipse unfolds through four key experience pillars:

DANCE – Music as a Universal Language

Move under Iceland’s midnight sun with a genre-defying lineup of electronic, pop, and live music. From main stage moments to intimate firelit sets, expect both global headliners and Icelandic gems, soundtracking some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.

Music Lineup – Phase 1 (A–Z)

Ali Love, annu, Ash Lauryn, berlioz, Bless Sing, Bloomurian ft. Saoirse Watters, Booka Shade (Live), Carbon Based Lifeforms, Cici, Daði Freyr, Davíð Svanur, Dhamika, DJ Andrea Jóns, DJ Margeir, dj. flugvél og geimskip, Dr Chrispy (Live), Eduardo Castillo presents 'The Overview Effect', Emiliana Torrini, Exos, Dave Clarke, Fredrik Ferrier, gugusar, GusGus, Hjálmar, Högni, Hólmar “Acid Tourist”, Joaqopelli, John 00 Fleming, Luana Schwengber, MEDUZA³, Nightmares on Wax, ReOrientate, RJD2, Ryan Crosson, SHAMANi, Shaun Reeves, Suduaya, Test Shot Starfish, Vök, Zero 7 (DJ Set)

LEARN – Ideas to Expand Your World

Engage with thinkers, futurists, scientists, and creators exploring the next frontier,  from the cosmos to consciousness, from AI to indigenous knowledge. Keynotes, hands-on workshops, innovation panels, and interactive labs invite you to play, question, and build what’s next.

Topics spanning space exploration, artificial intelligence, Web3, digital ethics, neurotechnology, and visionary art are all grounded in a deep curiosity about the future of humanity and the planet.

Additional confirmed participants and contributors include:

  • Jordan Amadio, Dr., neurosurgeon & technologist exploring consciousness and frontier science

  • Mason Lynaugh, community lead at Stand With Crypto, the world’s largest crypto advocacy movement

  • Róbert Bjarnason, civic tech pioneer and co-founder of Citizens Foundation

  • Richelle Ellis, creative technologist and sci-art pioneer, founding director of Supercollider, a platform merging science, art, and public engagement

They join a growing list of astronauts, data ethicists, UN innovators, and cultural visionaries shaping the LEARN program, where philosophy, science, and futurism converge.

Full list (A-Z): Antonio Peronace, Ari Eisenstat, Astronaut Christopher Huie, Astronaut Dr. Amelie Schoenenwald, Astronaut Dr. Chris Boshuizen, Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps, Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor, Astronaut Joan Higginbotham, Astronaut Keisha Schahaff, Astronaut Sara Sabry, Ben Haldeman, Brittany Kaiser, Colleen McLeod Garner, Daniel Leeb, De Kai, Dr. Jordan Amadio, Garance Choko, Gwen Riley, Henk Rogers, Hjörtur Smárason, Janeya Griffin, Joycelyn Longdon, Kalpana Pot, Katy Bohinc, Kyle Schember, Lambert Hogenhout, Lorant Czaran, Luke Caverns, Mason Lynaugh, Nik Halik, Rhea Pasricha Kullas, Richelle Ellis, Robert Bjarnason, Roberto Carlino, Robin Seemangal, Rohan Roberts, Ron Garan, Sævar Helgi Bragason, Ubaldo Ciminieri

CONNECT – A Sanctuary for Soul, Spirit and Ceremony

In partnership with Cosmic Pineapple, this program invites you to connect through earth based and esoteric practices like yoga, meditation, breathwork, indigenous wisdom teachings, Icelandic mythology, ceremony, nature connection, psychological exploration and sound healing.

Nightly fire ceremonies will be led by Icelandic and international wisdom keepers, with performances from renowned medicine musicians, offering shared moments of reflection and celebration around the sacred fire.

Icelandic Chill-Out Lounge by Mama Reykjavík will serve lush plant-based flavors with soulful acoustic sounds, deep DJ grooves, and visual art. A space to relax, recharge, and vibe out, straight from Reykjavík’s creative heart.

Confirmed activations, speakers and contributors include:

  • Alex Grey & Allyson Grey, visionary artists and co-founders of Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM)

  • Jason Silva, the artist, futurist, and storyteller behind Shots of Awe

  • Eduardo Castillo, interdisciplinary creator and immersive experience designer

  • Sara María Forynja co-founder of Eden Foundation, in collaboration with Silja Björk

Full list (A-Z): Alex Grey & Allyson Grey, Barry Cole, Beyazit Özgür Cekin, Brendan Hall, Christian Van Camp, Cosmic Pineapple, Daniel Blackman, David Heilbroner, Dr. Jancy McPhee, Dr. Mani Akhtari, Dr. Nandarani Meister, Eduardo Castillo, Ezra Bookman, Giosè Milli, Haraldur Erlendsson, Hinrik Jóhannesson, Jason Bentley, Jason Silva, Johanna Maggy Hauksdottir, Julia Tao, Kamalroop Singh Birk, Kári Viðarsson, Kevin Russell, Kim Booth, MaryLiz Bender, Matthew Devlen, Michael Jelen, Patrick Kronfli, Patrick Nickesh, Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, Rave Mehta, Rewildingiceland, Ron The Killer, Sara Maaria Saastamoinen, Sara Maria Juliudottir, Silja Björk Björnsdóttir, Simeon Schnapper, Tree Carr, Unify Meditation, Warren Blesofsky

EXPLORE – Adventures Across the Elements

Rooted in the dramatic landscapes of Snæfellsnes, the EXPLORE program invites participants to reconnect with nature, spirit, and self. Led in part by ReWilding Iceland, a local collective offering nature expeditions, sauna rituals, cold plunges, and spiritual experiences, this program draws on the raw power of the land to awaken deeper presence.

From sea to summit, guests will engage with Iceland’s elements through daily opportunities to walk, breathe, sweat, and listen. Contributions from local voices like 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, help deepen the cultural and spiritual connection to this unique place.

As one Snæfellsnes-born collaborator shared, “It’s always been my dream to see a festival like this happen here.” Iceland Eclipse honors that dream and invites the global community to experience the magic of this region with reverence and wonder.

A Gathering with Purpose

Rooted in intention and impact, Iceland Eclipse is designed as a purpose-driven gathering, guided by leave-no-trace principles, local collaboration, and low-impact production practices that honor both land and community.

As part of this commitment, Iceland Eclipse is proud to support initiatives like EarthPercent, aligning with a growing movement in the music industry to fund and accelerate climate solutions through collective action.

Location and Accommodations

Iceland Eclipse unfolds in Snæfellsnes, an area of extraordinary wilderness in the shadow of the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, near Hellissandur, a historic fishing village now known as Iceland’s Street Art Capital. With low light pollution and expansive views, the site offers stunning visibility for both the eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower, peaking during the festival.

Attendees will choose from a range of accommodations, including tent passes, glamping, and unique private stays throughout the region.

Builders’ Residency

As part of the festival's future-forward vision, Iceland Eclipse will host a month-long Innovation Residency across Hellissandur, Rif, and Ólafsvík from July 19 - August 15. This immersive program invites a curated group of artists, technologists, scientists, and culture-makers to develop and present projects inspired by the eclipse and Iceland’s powerful landscape.

An unparalleled incubator that fuses a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse with an intensive, month-long retreat in Iceland, where a diverse cohort prototypes bold ideas then premiers them for a global audience.

Set in the weeks leading up to the festival, 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. Prospective participants must submit a brief online form detailing their background, skills, experience, and proposed residency projects. All invitations will be issued in early 2026.

Iceland Eclipse honors the long tradition of eclipse gatherings, reimagining them for a new era. Co-created by IMXP and Secret Solstice, and supported by a global network of collaborators across music, art, science, and wellness, this is a celebration of totality and togetherness.

WRAPPING UP A HISTORIC 10TH EDITION OF ÎLESONIQ!

A SPECTACULAR 10TH ANNIVERSARY
EDITION OF îLESONIQ!

îLESONIQ’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY DRAWS RECORD ATTENDANCE ON SATURDAY 

The 10th anniversary edition of îLESONIQ, presented by Virgin Plus in collaboration with Beach Day, turned Parc Jean-Drapeau into a celebration of electronic music, drawing 76,000 festivalgoers (30% from outside of Quebec) over two sun-soaked days. The energy of îLESONIQ pulsed through the city starting Friday night, as îLESONIQ in the City transformed downtown venues into dance-filled havens for EDM lovers. This milestone year reached new heights on Saturday, when 43,000 fans filled the grounds: the largest single-day attendance in the festival’s history.

On Saturday, fans showed up in full force, dancing and celebrating from start to finish without missing a beat — and how could they? With 320 speakers, 124 subwoofers, 18 delay towers, 20 lasers, 32 cryo jet CO₂ blasters, 6 bubble machines, and 32 flame generators, every drop, blast, and bassline was felt to the core! Pauza, the elegant duo from Havana, captivated the crowd at the Coca-Cola NEON stage with a seamless blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin flair, and beach house grooves. Then, Genesi took over with groovy, deeper house beats that had fans moving from the very first track. Quebec's Dave Summer was a huge hit in the afternoon slot at the Virgin Plus OASIS stage! GorillaT made his highly anticipated Montréal debut to a massive crowd, while BUNT. kept the summer vibe alive with his uplifting melodies on the Beach Day MIRAGE stage. Montreal’s iconic Black Tiger Sex Machine ignited the stage with an immersive performance before a sea of fans, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

The evening saw Steve Aoki make his first-ever îLESONIQ appearance, thrilling fans with his high-energy set and signature cake-throwing antics! The night reached its pinnacle when John Summit lit up Parc Jean-Drapeau, delivering an electrifying set that became an unforgettable highlight for all in attendance: a defining moment that will forever stand among the most iconic in îLESONIQ’s 10-year history.

The final day of îLESONIQ’s 10th anniversary brought a vibrant mix of sound, style, and pure summer energy! Festivalgoers didn’t disappoint, bringing their creativity once again to their matching, thematic outfits, making their way through the trees from stage to stage, chasing the next wave of beats, despite the sweltering summer heat! Layton Giordani transformed the Coca-Cola NEON stage into summertime's best outdoor club, while over at the Virgin Plus OASIS stage, Alesso captivated fans and Oliver Heldens delivered a masterclass in festival-ready house. SNAILS, a pillar of the festival and a proud Quebecois talent, once again left his mark with a hard-hitting set made for headbangers, riling up the crowd and electrifying the atmosphere at the Beach Day MIRAGE stage.

Max Styler brought fresh, high-energy selections, and fans were treated to something special when Montreal favourite Mau P danced joyfully behind his decks. Drum & bass veterans Chase & Status rallied all the generations by bringing the old school vibes to the Beach Day MIRAGE stage, sending UK bass heads into a frenzy. Classic sounds resonated across the festival, finding new life with a whole new generation of music lovers. As the sun set, Sofi Tukker closed the same stage with banging beats, flawless choreography, voluptuous vocals, gushing “this is one of our favourite places to play!" Closing out the weekend, Illenium delivered an emotional, high-impact finale on the Virgin Plus OASIS stage, ending îLESONIQ’s milestone edition on an unforgettable high.

Now celebrating a decade of unforgettable moments, îLESONIQ has evolved into a true gathering for music lovers of all kinds. The festival’s lineup now spans the full spectrum of electronic music: from house to bass and techno, creating an inclusive space where anyone who loves to dance can feel at home. At its heart, îLESONIQ embodies the spirit of PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, welcoming a broad and diverse audience to come together and celebrate music without boundaries.

FLASH SALE! See you next year on August 8 & 9, 2026!
Get your tickets for îLESONIQ 2026 at the lowest price. 
Act fast, this offer ends on August 17 at 10 p.m.

MAIKE DEPAS DROPS A HIGH-ENERGY DOUBLE-SIDED ANTHEM 'BACK TO YOU'

COMPLETE WITH AN OFF-THE-WALL 160 BPM DEBUT REMIX FROM BONNIE STRANGE

With 'Back To You', Italian techno visionary Maike Depas takes fans deeper into his musical realm, tapping into psy and mainstage inspirations with this new high-impact offering. Equal parts introspective and club-killer, the release comes as a two track package, including an explosive 160 BPM debut remix by Bonnie Strange. Set for release on August 8 via Maike's The Innovation Studio Records, 'Back To You' is a dual offering that blurs the line between underground and mainstream.

Written during a journey of self-rediscovery, ‘Back To You’ evokes a hypnotic state of suspended time, with a dark, 150 BPM undercurrent driving its rhythm. The original mix combines a rumbling low end with ethereal melodies that soar over a driving beat, leaving the space for a female vocal to anchor the track's emotional core. The result merges the deep, driving psy bass with high-energy EDM, appealing to both underground fans and mainstream dancefloors, while maintaining the full-throttle energy that has long defined Maike Depas’ sound.

Maike comments,

"Writing ‘Back To You’ was my way of surviving, turning pain into sound, and returning to myself, not to a person. If there's one thing I’ve truly learned through this journey, it’s that we must not fall in love with the idea of something we’ve only imagined. True strength doesn’t come from chasing fantasies, but from staying loyal to ourselves, even when it hurts".

Bonnie Strange’s 160 BPM debut remix is packed with energy, featuring a punchy rhythm and sharp rave stabs that drive the track into overdrive. The two versions create a striking contrast: Maike Depas’ original explores his introspective side, while Bonnie Strange’s remix unleashes an explosion of raw, untamed energy.

Discussing the release, Bonnie Strange says,

"The first time I heard Back To You , I felt this raw, different kind of energy, it spoke my language. MAIKE DEPAS has such a clear, powerful vision, and remixing this track was like stepping into his world and twisting it with mine. The result? An emotional bomb ready to blow the speakers.

Italian hard techno DJ and producer MAIKE DEPAS (Michelangelo De Pasquale) is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting talents in electronic music. Drawing from a decade of experience and a sound that merges 90s rave, hard techno, and psy-trance, Depas has redefined his artistic vision in 2024, earning recognition from DJ Mag Italia, Mixmag Germany, and FAZE as a rising star in the global scene.

A classically trained musician who studied composition and piano at the Milan Conservatory, Depas blends technical precision with raw, boundary-pushing energy. His recent audio-visual relaunch has brought his dystopian aesthetic to life, highlighted by a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg, shooting with cyberpunk designer Demobaza, and collaborating with the likes of Amstra, Mattia Trani, and Matasism. In the past year, Depas has released a series of EPs under Mattia Trani’s Pushmaster Discs, including ‘Tokyo Nights’ and the most recent ‘Circle of Life’, which dropped on Oct. 11. His latest major release, the ‘Sexy Devil Horse EP’ (released December 2024 through his own label, The Innovation Studio Records), has taken his sound to new heights, fusing bold experimentation with undeniable hooks, marking a thrilling new chapter in his evolving career.