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 San José’s Barrio Amón district turns into a buzzing hotspot of culture, art and entertainment during the Amón Cultural Fest. / Photo courtesy of Amón Cultural Fest.

Things To Do This Weekend




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Published on Friday, March 13, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff





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.



Have a local event happening in your community? Share the details with us at news@amcostarica.com, we’d love to spread the word!





On
Friday





The laughs come with a twist at Comedia Theater in San José, where the comedy “Nobody Pays Here” hits the stage. The play follows a wildly dysfunctional family that somehow manages to tackle everyday problems with the most unexpected and hilarious solutions. Showtime is 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office.
 


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On Friday and Saturday




The International Coffee Fair takes over the San Marcos de Tarrazú Stadium in the canton of Tarrazú, in San José. Coffee enthusiasts can discover more than 10 local and international coffee producers showcasing their beans, flavors, and specialties. Visitors will also find a variety of foods made with coffee, offering a chance to experience this iconic ingredient in some creative and delicious ways. Doors open at 1 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available at the stadium box office.






On Saturday



San José's Barrio Amon District transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, art, and entertainment during the Amón Cultural Fest. Sponsored by the Municipality of San José, the festival brings a full day packed with creativity, music, and community energy. Visitors can stroll through art galleries, catch live music concerts, enjoy dance performances, and check out outdoor theater happening throughout the historic neighborhood. Along the way, food trucks will be serving up crowd-pleasing bites, vendors will offer unique souvenirs, and a kids’ playground will keep younger visitors entertained. The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. Admission is free and the event is pet-friendly.




The Holi Festival
lights up the Nebula Event Center in Heredia with a vibrant celebration inspired by the traditional Hindu festival of colors. Sponsored by the Indian Embassy in Costa Rica, the event invites friends and families to join in the joyful tradition of tossing bright colored powders and celebrating together. Holi marks the end of winter in Asia and is widely known as the festival of colors. In Hindu tradition, it also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The celebration often includes prayers, traditional foods, and sweets, bringing people together for a day filled with color, culture, and community. The festival starts at 9:00 a.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.




The Picnic Festival rolls into Pedregal Show Center in Heredia with a stacked lineup featuring more than 20 national and international artists. Big names like Maná, Ozuna, Tyga, Yandel, and Jessi G are set to hit the stage, along with many other performers, turning the day into a nonstop celebration of music. The 12-hour festival kicks off at noon, bringing a full day of live shows, great energy, and plenty to explore. Along the way, festivalgoers can grab bites from food trucks and browse souvenir shops set up around the venue. Tickets are available through the Eticket 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





Fogón Fest fires up the action at La Libertad Park in Desamparados Canton, San José. The festival brings together food lovers and home cooks for a weekend packed with flavor, featuring cooking classes, kitchenware for sale, and live demonstrations of classic Costa Rican dishes. Tickets are available at the venue entrance.






On Sunday



It is all about hard hits, big plays, and championship energy as the American football game organized by the Costa Rica Football League takes over Pipilo Umaña Stadium in Moravia, San José. This is American football at full throttle, with helmets crashing and teams battling it out for league supremacy. The action starts early, with Leones F.C. facing off against DAWGS FT at 10 a.m. Then at 1 p.m., the spotlight shifts to the defending champions Toros FT, who go head-to-head with Tigers FT in a high-stakes showdown that will decide who walks away with the crown. Tickets are available at the stadium box office, and fans can grab food, drinks, and official team merchandise at the venue.




Moto Fest takes over the racetrack area at Parque Viva Show Center in Alajuela, bringing a full day of high-energy action and extreme motorcycle exhibitions. Top international riders from Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic will be on hand, delivering jaw-dropping stunts and adrenaline-packed performances. The lineup of main attractions includes the QDFMX Show, the International Stunt Show, and Bike Life Shows, along with a special performance by Marco Picado, the only Latin American rider known for mastering the backflip on an ATV. The show starts at 9 a.m., and tickets are available at the venue.






This Weekend



The National Orchid Fair blooms at Lankester Botanical Garden in Cartago, turning the gardens into a colorful showcase of one of Costa Rica’s most admired flowers. Visitors can stroll through displays of stunning orchids while connecting with growers and plant enthusiasts. Along with the floral displays, the event features plant sales and a wide variety of gardening supplies, making it a great stop for anyone looking to add something new to their garden. The fair starts at 9 a.m., and tickets are available at the venue box office.




The 2026 National Surfing Championship, the country’s top surfing competition organized by the Costa Rican Surfing Federation, heads to the waves of 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.




The Escenario Theater in San José brings a little magic to the stage with the children’s show “Everything Is Possible in the World of Dreams.” Inspired by a magical journey, the performance invites young audiences into a playful world of imagination, surprises, and wonder. The show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online through the theater’s website.




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 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 Grecia Canton Community Fair takes over Central Park in the Puente de Piedra district of Grecia, Alajuela, turning the town center into a lively gathering spot packed with local flavor and community pride. Throughout the park, visitors can catch live music, dance performances, traditional bullfights, and a colorful horse parade that keeps the celebration moving. Food stands and a playground area for kids make it easy for families to spend the day enjoying the festivities together. Events kick off at noon, and admission is free.




The Mercedes Norte Canton Community Fair
takes over the canton Central Park in Heredia, filling the downtown area with music, culture, and community spirit. The fair features a full lineup of live music, dance performances, traditional bullfights, and a vibrant horse parade that brings color and excitement to the streets. Visitors can also explore food stands, join in sports activities, and let the kids burn off energy at a dedicated playground area designed just for them. Festivities start 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. 





Have a "Pura Vida" weekend chilling out with family and friends.


    


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