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Published on Friday, January 16, 2026

Brought to you by the Costa Rica Blues Festival

The Costa Rica Blues Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in February 2026 with its most ambitious program to date, offering a full week of live music, cultural exchange, and community gatherings centered around the blues. What began a decade ago as a grassroots event has grown into one of Costa Rica's most respected international music festivals.

The main event takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Club Campestre Griego in Grecia, Alajuela, a scenic outdoor venue located just over an hour from San José. The festival will feature more than 12 hours of continuous live music, bringing together top international blues artists from the United States alongside leading Costa Rican musicians.

Headlining this special anniversary edition is Terrie Odabi, an acclaimed blues and soul singer from California. Known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Odabi has performed at major festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe. She will close out the Saturday night program, delivering a soulful, high-energy set backed by an international band assembled exclusively for the festival.

 

Also appearing at the festival are several standout American blues musicians, including Jimmy Carpenter, widely regarded as one of the finest saxophone players in contemporary blues, and Mikey Junior, a dynamic harmonica player from Philadelphia who will also serve as the festival's master of ceremonies. Guitar fans will enjoy performances by Craig Thatcher of Pennsylvania, known for his celebrated Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix tribute shows, and Sparky Parker, bringing authentic Texas blues straight from Houston.

The Costa Rica Blues Festival has earned a reputation not only for its music but for its relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. The Club Campestre Griego offers open green spaces, shaded seating, food and beverage vendors, a swimming pool, and a comfortable environment where attendees can spend the entire day enjoying live performances and socializing with fellow music lovers.

In addition to the main Saturday event, the festival features a calendar of satellite events throughout the week, including club shows, jam sessions, and special performances in different locations. These events give audiences more opportunities to see international and local artists up close while supporting venues and communities beyond the main stage.

The celebration continues on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with the popular Blues, Brews & BBQ event. This laid-back daytime gathering combines live blues music with craft beer, barbecue, and a relaxed social setting, an ideal way to wind down after Saturday's marathon of music and connect with artists and fellow fans.

For many North American expats living in Costa Rica, the festival has become a yearly tradition, a place to reconnect with familiar musical roots while enjoying the warmth, hospitality, and natural beauty of the country.

The 10th anniversary edition promises to be especially meaningful, blending international talent with Costa Rican culture and community spirit.

For event information, full calendar, and tickets, visit the Costa Rica Blues Festival website.

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The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of A.M. Costa Rica. The newspaper assumes no responsibility for the content.
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