Get ready for an exciting weekend packed with fun! From live concerts and captivating plays to vibrant festivals, cultural celebrations, and dazzling shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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On Friday

The National Music Institute kicks off its concert season with a special live show at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José. The program blends different sounds and styles, mixing jazz, pop, and Latin rhythms into one dynamic performance. The concert starts at 5 p.m. Admission is completely free and open to everyone.

On Saturday and Sunday

 

This Weekend

Downtown Palmares canton in Alajuela turns into the place to be as the Palmares Fiestas takes over with nonstop energy and local flavor at the town fairgrounds. Expect live music setting the vibe, high-energy dance shows, traditional bullfights, and a colorful horse parade rolling through town. The fair is packed with food stands, sports activities, and a dedicated playground area where kids can run and have fun. Best part: all activities are free to attend. Entry tickets for the bar and restaurant zone will be available at the venue box office.

The Katrinas Fest, organized by the Municipality of San José, will take place at the Juan Rafael Mora Park in San José. The fest begins at 10 a.m. with a masquerade parade. The event features concerts, food trucks, Catrinas costume contest, local market vendors, and shows. Admission to the pet-friendly event is free.

Heathers the Musical hits the stage at the Eugene O’Neill Theater in San José, bringing sharp humor, big energy, and a bold edge. Written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy and based on the iconic 1988 film by Daniel Waters, the show delivers a fast-paced black comedy that pulls no punches. The story dives into dark themes like bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault, and school violence, all wrapped in a loud, unforgettable musical experience. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with a 5:00 p.m. show on Sundays. Tickets are available at the theatre box office or online.

The Expressivo Theater in San José is presenting Little Shop of Horrors, the cult-favorite horror comedy rock musical that’s equal parts creepy and hilarious. Based on the 1960 low-budget black comedy, the story follows Seymour Krelborn, a broke orphan stuck on Skid Row, who discovers a strange plant after a solar eclipse. But this isn’t your average houseplant; it’s hungry, and not for sunlight. Cue the chaos. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or online. Heads up, this one’s best for ages 12 and up.

The comedy play "Pyjama Pour Six" runs all weekend at the Lucho Barahona Theater in San José. Inspired by the work of French playwright Marc Camoletti, the story follows a series of hilarious misunderstandings in a renovated French farmhouse about two hours from Paris, where Bernard plans to send his wife, Jacqueline, away for the weekend so he can spend time with his mistress, Suzanne, a Parisian model. The play starts at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

The Hot Wheels City Experience rolls into Escazú Village in San José, turning the popular shopping center into a full-scale Hot Wheels world. Inspired by the iconic toy cars and tracks, the show features life-size replicas, high-energy race tracks, a car exhibition, and a hands-on workshop where kids and adults can design their own custom toy car. Visitors can also enjoy recreational activities, a go-kart track, and plenty of other attractions throughout the space. The experience starts at 9:00 a.m., and tickets are available through the Smarticket website.  

The Fuentes-Gasca Circus at the National Stadium in San José is packing the whole weekend with high-energy action, think trapeze stunts, sharp-as-ever jugglers, live music, dancers, clowns that genuinely get you laughing, and plenty of magic to keep the show moving. Performances run daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available right at the venue’s box office.

Get ready for laughs at the Triciclo Theater in San José with "Suegras Bárbaras" (Crazy Mothers-in-Law). This hilarious comedy follows a couple on vacation who, thanks to an unexpected twist, find themselves having to bring their mother-in-law along for the ride. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

The Dulce Nombre Community Fair lights up Dulce Nombre Canton Sports Field in Cartago with a full day of music, culture, and good vibes. Starting at noon, the fair brings together live music, energetic dance shows, and a wide mix of food stands to keep everyone fueled. All activities kick off at midday and are completely free to attend, making it an easy, laid-back plan for the whole community.

The Santa Cruz Community Fair will be held in the Santa Cruz Canton Fairland in Guanacaste. The celebration features live music, dance performances, bullfights, a horse parade, food stalls, sports activities, and a children’s playground. Events kick off at noon, and admission is free.

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Barrio San José, Alajuela. Take a guided tour through the animal sanctuary and wildlife conservation center, where you’ll explore beautiful botanical gardens and meet over 125 species of rescued animals including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, birds, and reptiles. These incredible animals cannot be returned to their natural habitat, but they are lovingly cared for at the center. Tickets are available at the venue box office or on the center's website. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation.

A fun-filled day of activities designed just for teenagers at Libertad Park Club in San José. From painting and dance to music, sports, and arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, the event is free and pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the fun. The event kicks off at 9 a.m.

Dive into an unforgettable adventure at the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary in Quepos Beach, Puntarenas! This amazing non-profit is home to nearly 50 incredible animals that can't be released back into the wild, and you can meet them all on one of their fascinating tours. Reserve your spot today by emailing Chip@kstr.org or calling 8827-8243. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support a wonderful cause.

Get ready to witness the incredible arrival of sea turtles at Ostional National Park in Guanacaste. Starting at 6:30 a.m., you'll be guided by an expert from the Ostional Tourist Guides Association for an unforgettable experience.

Kick off an exciting day at Punta Pirata Beach Club in Puntarenas City, Puntarenas! With games, playgrounds, and pools, it's the ultimate spot for kids to have a blast. The doors open at 8 a.m., and tickets are available at the park box office.

 

Jump into endless fun at Ojo de Agua Water Park in San Antonio Belen, Heredia. Enjoy free swimming, Zumba, aerobics, sports games, fitness, diving, and so much more. This amazing club also features a parking area, a restaurant, multiple swimming pools for adults and kids, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a soccer field! Doors open at 7:30 a.m.Tickets are available on-site.

Visit Lankester Botanical Gardens in Dulce Nombre, Cartago, for a day surrounded by stunning nature! The gardens open at 9 a.m. and feature lagoons, forests, and beautiful landscapes. Tickets are available on-site. It’s a perfect spot to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

 

Get ready for a day of fun and discovery at the Children's Museum in downtown San José! Packed with exciting activities for kids, this is the perfect spot for family adventures. Doors open bright and early at 9 a.m., and tickets are available on-site or on the museum's website.

Head over to Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park in La Fortuna, Alajuela, for a day full of fun and relaxation! With over 10 aquatic activities and hot spring pools to enjoy, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The park opens at 10 a.m. Tickets are available on the venue box office. Plus, kids under 4 get in for free.


Go ride hopping at the Parque de Diversiones in La Uruca, San José. The amusement park has more than 17 rides such as roller coasters, carousels, twists and bumper cars among many others. Enjoy their food court zone and picnic area. The park opens at 9 a.m. For more information visit the park's website.

The System of Conservation Areas invites visitors to explore some of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks, including Chirripó in Cartago and Limón, Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Tortuguero in Limón, San Lucas Island in Puntarenas, Irazú Volcano in Cartago, and Manuel Antonio Beach in Puntarenas.  You can make reservations directly on the organization's website.

The Guanacaste Conservation Area invites visitors to explore both Santa Rosa and the Horizon Experimental Forest Station in Guanacaste. Tickets can be purchased on
organization's website.

The Diquis Museum in Palmar Sur, Osa, Puntarenas offers walking tours through the archaeological zone of Finca Sitio 6. Tours are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available on-site.

The Art Museum in downtown La Sabana, San José, presents private collections of Latin American artists. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available on-site.

 

The Gold Museum in downtown San José presents an exhibition of Costa Rican bills and coins since 1850. Also, in the exhibit are the 700 pieces of handcrafted gold made by the first population in Costa Rica. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

The National Museum in downtown San José, presents an exhibition of Costa Rica's history and handmade artifacts, including some more than 12,000 years old, made by the first peoples of the region. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.