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

Kick off your Friday night with some classic rock as Tortugas Rock Band takes the stage at Jazz Café Pub in San Jose. It’s a straight-up good time with live music and a solid crowd. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

On Saturday

Jacó Beach Central Park in Puntarenas is hosting the Entrepreneurs’ Fair, organized by the Municipality of Garabito. It’s a great spot to browse handmade goods, from crafts and jewelry to souvenirs, plus plenty of food stands to keep you fueled. Everything starts at 10 a.m., and admission is free.

Head over to Juan Santamaría National Park in Alajuela for a meaningful cultural celebration honoring national hero Juan Santamaría. The event highlights his legacy with lectures, traditional dance performances, and parades featuring classic music bands. Activities start at 9 a.m., and admission is free.

On Sunday

Cosplay fans, this one’s for you. The World Cosplay Summit is going down at the ANDE Convention Center in Heredia. The spotlight is on a costume competition to choose Costa Rica’s representatives for the world championship in Japan, plus a closing concert by Japanese Anisong singer Anisong. Admission is free.

If you’re looking for high-impact action, this is it. The Costa Rica Football League is bringing serious heat to Pipilo Umaña Stadium in Moravia in San Jose. We’re talking full-speed American football—pads popping, helmets clashing, and teams going all in. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with Toros FT vs. Dawgs FT. Then at 1 p.m., defending champs Lions FT go head-to-head with Tigers FT in a title-decider you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available at the stadium, and you’ll have food, drinks, and official team merch on deck.

Opera lovers can catch "Turandot," the iconic three-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, at Sala Garbo Theater in San Jose. This is a live broadcast from the Arena di Verona in Italy, bringing that world-class stage straight to San José. The story follows Princess Turandot, who will only marry a suitor capable of solving three riddles. The show begins at 3 p.m., and tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

This Weekend

San José is turning all the way up this weekend with the Transitarte Festival, backed by the Municipality of San José and the Ministry of Culture. It’s a full-on city takeover with art, music, dance, and creative vibes popping off in every direction. You’ve got live performances, painting workshops, souvenir shopping, and a lineup of food trucks bringing the flavor. There’s even a pet-friendly zone, so yeah—bring your crew, including the furry ones. Everything is spread across National Park, Morazán Park, España Park,  Central Park and Sabana Metropolitan Central Park. Friday gets rolling at 1 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday start at 9 a.m. Sunday wraps with a big finale concert at 3 p.m. in Sabana Central Park, featuring top pop and tropical bands. Admission is free. Pets welcome.

San José is also hosting the Ibero-American Theater Festival, pulling together top-tier talent from Costa Rica and beyond. It’s a full celebration of art, culture, and identity, with performances happening across multiple venues, including the Melico Salazar Theater, Alberto Cañas Theater, the 1887 Theater,  Dance Theater, National Theater, and the Gómez Miralles Cinema Center. For showtimes and online tickets, check the Melico Salazar Theater website.

If you’re in the mood to laugh, the Lucho Barahona Theater has you covered with "Happy Show." This comedy plays off the wild stories of two farmers who end up in trouble after trying to prank their boss. It’s light, funny, and easy to vibe with. Catch it Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., or Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

The Fuentes Gasca Circus is in town, and it’s bringing nonstop action all weekend at La Libertad Park in Desamparados canton in San Jose. Expect high-flying trapeze acts, sharp juggling, live music, dancers, and clowns that actually land the jokes. There’s just enough magic in the mix to keep things moving fast and fun. Shows run daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available right at the circus box office.

San Rafael Community Central Park in Heredia is the place to be if you’re looking for that classic community fair energy. 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 turn this into a full-day hang. Everything starts at noon, and admission is free.

Down in Palmar Sur, in Puntarenas, the Archaeological Spheres Festival is bringing culture and history to life at the National Museum’s Palmar Sur branch. You can jump into tours of archaeological sites, check out talks, and enjoy cultural activities and live music throughout the day. Everything starts at 9 a.m., and admission is free.

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.