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 and Saturday

Wine Fest takes over the Nebula Events Center in Heredia for a weekend made for wine and food lovers. This experience combines a lively atmosphere with a diverse selection of wines and flavors to explore. General Admission includes an official festival glass, full access to the event, and a guided stroll through the wine and food areas where guests can sample and discover new favorites. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

On Saturday

The Spanish Gastronomy Fair lands in San José National Park for a full day, celebrating the bold flavors and traditions of Spain. Organized by the Spanish Embassy in Costa Rica, the event gathers more than 20 Spanish restaurants serving up classics like paella, tapas, cured meats, churros, sangria, Spanish wines, and beers. The festival also brings the culture to life with flamenco and zarzuela dance performances, plus a live Spanish music concert. The celebration starts at 10 a.m., and admission is free.

The Women’s Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at the National Theater in San José for a concert honoring women through music. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the performance features pieces inspired by women’s stories and experiences, bringing powerful sounds to one of the country’s most iconic venues. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and admission is free for all.

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.

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.

On Saturday and Sunday

Melico Salazar Theater in San José hosts a tribute concert celebrating the music of Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. The show features an orchestra of more than 45 musicians performing on stage alongside Spanish singer Fran Valenzuela, delivering a powerful interpretation of Sanz’s most memorable songs. The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online through Publitickets.

On Sunday

International Women’s Day Festival at Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José. Organized by the Municipality of San José, the event offers a full lineup of activities celebrating women and community. Visitors can enjoy cultural presentations, live music, food trucks, a performance by a school band, and a variety of sports activities throughout the day. The festival starts at 9 a.m., and admission is free.

The 8M March marking International Women’s Day will move through the streets of San José City in a powerful demonstration honoring women’s achievements while raising awareness about gender inequality and the need for continued support for women worldwide. Organized by various feminist groups, the march is expected to draw thousands of participants. It begins at 10 a.m. at San José’s Central Park, where participants will gather before marching toward the Democracy Park next to the National Congress building.

The Beat Triathlon hits Puerto Viejo Beach in Limón, bringing a full-on test of endurance to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful coastlines. Organized by the Municipality of Limón, the event is all about getting the community moving and celebrating sports in the region. Athletes can choose between two race distances. The main race features a 1,400-meter swim, a 60-kilometer bike ride, and a 14-kilometer run, while the beginner race includes a 700-meter swim, a 30-kilometer bike ride, and a 7-kilometer run. The competition kicks off bright and early at 5:30 a.m., starting from El Pampa Restaurant at Puerto Viejo Beach.

Tradition rolls through Cañas Canton Central Park in Guanacaste with the Guanacaste Oxcart Parade, a colorful cultural event celebrating one of Costa Rica’s most iconic traditions. More than 50 beautifully decorated oxcarts will parade through the area, accompanied by music and folk dance performances as part of the festivities. The celebration begins at 9 a.m., and admission is free.

Dr. Robert Waldinger will deliver a special lecture on the science of happiness at the University for Peace in San José. Waldinger, a renowned professor at Harvard University and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development (the longest-running scientific study on happiness and human well-being), will explore what truly shapes a fulfilling life. The talk will touch on topics ranging from human relationships to the decisions people make over time, blending scientific evidence, real-life stories, and meaningful reflections that apply to personal, professional, and social life. Tickets are available on the university’s website.

Sala Garbo Theater in San José brings the timeless "Swan Lake Ballet" to the big screen with a special live-stream presentation from the Paris Opera. Inspired by the masterpiece composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the performance offers audiences the elegance and drama of one of the world’s most beloved ballets. The screening begins at 3 p.m., and tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

The 2026 National Surfing Championship, the country’s top surfing competition organized by the Costa Rican Surfing Federation, heads to the waves of Carmen Beach and Santa Teresa Beach in Puntarenas. Surfers from across the country will compete in 20 categories, including men’s and women’s divisions in shortboard, longboard, SUP surf, bodyboard, and adaptive surfing. The action gets underway at 6 a.m., and admission is free.

This Weekend

The Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José stages the play "Trees Die Standing," inspired by the original work of Spanish playwright Alejandro Casona. The story offers a poignant exploration of life’s hardships, set against the redemptive power of love, as characters from different generations intertwine their dreams, illusions, and conflicting values. Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

The Liberia Canton Community Fair takes over the town’s Central Park in Guanacaste, turning the heart of the city into a lively celebration of local culture. The event features live music, dance performances, traditional bullfights, and a colorful horse parade. Visitors will also find plenty of food stands, sports activities, and a dedicated playground area where kids can join the fun. Festivities begin at noon, and admission is free.

The Fuentes Gasca Circus sets up next to the Paseo Flores Mall in Heredia, 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.

The Quepos Beach Community Fair takes over the town's bullring in Puntarenas, 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 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.