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

Over at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José, the International Arts Festival is bringing a double feature that hits different. First up, “Parasites,” a production from a Mexican theater group, goes live at noon. Later that night, things turn up with “Cotton Candy,” a show recommended for adults 18 and over, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office and online.

 

On Friday and Sunday

National Theater in San José brings the heat with the National Symphony Orchestra delivering a powerful classical set. The program features Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary by Henry Purcell and Mozart’s iconic Requiem in D minor, K. 626 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You can catch the performance Saturday at 8 p.m. or keep it classy with a Sunday morning show at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are up for grabs at the box office or online.

On Saturday

National Theater in San José switches gears with a bold Mexican music showcase led by Astrid Hadad. Expect a show full of personality, culture, and serious stage presence. It all kicks off at 7 p.m., and tickets are available at the box office or online.

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 4 p.m. and at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

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. Performance start at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

On Sunday

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

This Weekend

The Costa Rica International Arts Fest is taking over La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José with a massive lineup of over 200 national and international performers. This is where it all comes together—movies, plays, concerts, dance, cheerleading, circus shows, and more. It’s a full-on cultural explosion, and the festival website has the full schedule so you can plan your moves.

Head out to Turrialba for the San Buenaventura Community Fair happening at the San Buenaventura Paradero Turistico in Cartago. This one’s packed with action, horse parades, live music, food stalls, kids’ games, sports, contests, and more. Everything kicks off at noon, and admission is free. Even better, proceeds go toward supporting the San Buenaventura Nursing Home, so you’re partying for a good cause.

Down in Puntarenas, the Ciudad Neily Community Fair is going all out at the town fairgrounds. Expect a full lineup: livestock shows, horse parades, food vendors, contests, kids’ activities, concerts, and plenty more to keep things moving. It all starts 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.

Puerto Viejo Beach Community Fair is bringing the energy to the town’s central park in Limón. Expect live music, dance performances, traditional bullfights, and a colorful horse parade that keeps things moving all day. There are food stands everywhere and a playground for the kids, so it’s easy to make a full day out of it. Everything kicks off 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.