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 Pre-Columbian Gold Museum at the Central Bank in San José is presenting a concert by Costa Rican jazz musician Max Esquivel, bringing a set infused with Latin American rhythms. The concert starts at 5 p.m., and admission is completely free.  

On Friday and Saturday

The Escenario Theater at Plaza Tempo Shopping Center in San José is bringing the heat with “The Elections.” The story follows a newly elected president who’s ready to make his big debut, until his first major crisis explodes moments before he steps up to deliver his first official speech. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online through the theater’s website.

On Friday and Sunday

The National Symphony Orchestra is taking over the  National Theater in San José for a classical concert. The evening opens with the “Dance of the Comedians” by Bedrich Smetana, rolls into the Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” in E-flat major by Ludwig van Beethoven, and wraps with the “Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar. Friday night’s performance begins at 8 p.m. Sunday’s program starts at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online. 

 

On Saturday

The Eugene O’Neill Theater in San José is setting the stage for a concert honoring the Mexican singer José José. Taking the mic are Albin Fernandez, Marlon Porras, Esteban Quesada, René Bolaños, and Samy Khangi. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online. 

Lunada Show lights up the Fidel Gamboa Amphitheater inside the National Cultural Center in San José with a tropical music night made for dancing. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, this free event brings multiple Latin music bands to the stage for a high-energy evening under the open sky. The music starts at 6 p.m., and admission is free.

Get ready for a throwback night done right. The Carters, a high-energy acoustic rock band, are taking over Jazz Café Pub in Escazú, San José, with a set packed full of ‘80s and ‘90s rock anthems. We’re talking straight-up classics from Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, and plenty more that defined a generation. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

Juan Santamaría Park in Alajuela City is about to turn all the way up with the Color Fun Fest, an open-air celebration packed with music, flavor, and nonstop energy. Expect live music setting the tone, food trucks serving up crowd favorites, and cultural activities that bring color and creativity to every corner of the park. It all kicks off at 2 p.m. It’s completely free and open to everyone.

Bruma Rock Show is set to shake up the stage at the Cartago Municipal Amphitheater with a full afternoon of straight-up rock energy. The lineup features several rock bands performing in both English and Spanish. The show kicks off at 3 p.m., and admission is completely free.  

On Saturday and Sunday

The Costa Rica Blues Festival is back and ready to celebrate music, community, and culture, marking its 10th anniversary. The festival has become one of the most beloved live music events in the country, bringing together world-class blues artists, outstanding local talent, and fans from across Costa Rica and beyond. This year's celebration takes place at the beautiful Club Campestre Griego in Grecia, Alajuela. Headlining the festival is internationally acclaimed blues artist Terrie Odabi, and it will also feature a dynamic lineup of international and Costa Rican musicians. Tickets, full lineup details, schedules, and updates are available at the Costa Rica Blues Festival website.

The Food Truck Fest is happening at the Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José! Organized by the Municipality of San José, this free admission and pet-friendly event is packed with delicious options from over 30 food trucks. Expect a variety of food and drinks for sale, along with cultural events, traditional dances, live music, a picnic area, a kids’ playground, and a special space for pets. The fun starts at 11 a.m. each day.

The Coffee Fair is brewing up a full-flavor celebration right in the central park of the San Pedro District in Poás Canton, Alajuela. Expect information booths where you can learn more about local coffee culture, vendors pouring fresh cups and serving up tasty bites, plus music and dancing that keep the vibe alive all afternoon. It all gets started at noon, giving you plenty of time to sip, stroll, and soak it all in. Admission is free for everyone.

On Sunday

The Smokefree Family Fest at Paseo Colón Avenue, San José, is hosted by the Municipality of San José and is packed with a Valentine’s celebration with DJ music, skate games, inflatables, dance and aerobics sessions, food trucks, a kids’ playground, and more. It’s pet-friendly, free admission, and starts at 9 a.m. Bring everybody and make it a full-day vibe.

The San José Municipality Band is taking over the National Museum in San José with a Latin music concert. The show starts at 11 a.m., and it’s completely free.

This Weekend

The National Amphitheater in San José is lighting up the stage with “The Little Prince” musical, a live adaptation inspired by the timeless 1943 novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Friday night’s show kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday rolls in at 6 p.m. And Sunday is a double feature, with performances at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office or through the website of the Children's Museum, the proud sponsor of this production.

The Expo PZ Community Fair takes over the town's fairgrounds in Pérez Zeledón, San José, bringing a full lineup of local culture and entertainment. The event features live music, dance performances, traditional bullfights, a colorful horse parade, food stands, sports activities, and a dedicated playground area for kids. Festivities begin at noon, and admission is free.

The Fuentes Gasca Circus sets up next to the National Learning Institute (Instituto Nacional de Aprendisaje) in San Ramón Canton, Alajuela, and it’s bringing nonstop energy all weekend long. Expect gravity-defying trapeze acts, precision juggling, live music, dancers, clowns that actually make you laugh, and just enough magic to keep things moving at full speed. Performances happen daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., with tickets available at the circus box office.

Catch the romantic comedy “Just Like That” at the Expressivo Theater in San José. This one dives into the messy, funny, all-too-relatable challenges couples face when love by itself doesn’t solve everything. Performances start at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday show at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Club Campo Lago in Alajuela is about to smell like pure heaven when the BBQ & Grilling Fest fires things up. The lineup is stacked with everything a true BBQ fan could ask for: live grilling demos where the pros show off their skills, epic BBQ competitions that bring serious heat, top BBQ brands showcasing their gear and flavors, live music to keep the vibe rolling, and food trucks dishing out bold, smoky eats all day long. On Friday, the action starts at 4 p.m. The fest continues Friday and Saturday, beginning at noon. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office or through the Eticket website. 

"Crazy Lucky" at the Máscara Theater in San José. The comedy follows the hilarious chaos that unfolds when a group of friends gets together. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office.

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.

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.

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.