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

If you’re in the mood for loud, classic rock, Diesel Rock Band is hitting the stage at London Room Pub in San José with a full-on tribute to the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Expect a high-energy set packed with hits from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. The show starts at 8 p.m., and you can get your tickets at the venue’s box office or online.

On Saturday

The National Theater in San José presents “Paredolia,” a full-on visual and sensory experience that keeps you guessing. The stage is constantly shifting, transforming, and throwing unexpected moments your way, making this one a real treat if you’re into creative, immersive shows. Catch it at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m., with tickets available at the box office.

On Saturday and Sunday

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. The Coffee Fair is happening on Sabana Boulevard in San Ramón, Alajuela, featuring over 20 coffee businesses plus a lineup of entrepreneurs selling everything coffee-related. It’s a chill, pet-friendly vibe where you can explore, taste, and shop. Doors open at 10 a.m., and admission is free.

The CATIE International Fair is taking over the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center in Turrialba, Cartago. Expect a mix of recreational activities, sports, cultural experiences, and a solid lineup of traditional food from across Latin America and the Caribbean. It all starts at 10 a.m., making it a great daytime plan.

On Sunday

The National Theater in San José also brings the legendary tale of “Moby Dick” to life, inspired by Herman Melville’s epic novel. The story follows sailor Ishmael as he recounts Captain Ahab’s intense, borderline-obsessive quest to take down the massive white whale that took his leg. It’s drama, obsession, and adventure all rolled into one. Showtimes are at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and tickets are available at the theater box office.

La Comedia Theater at El Pueblo Shopping Center in San José is bringing the chaos with “The Comedy of Errors,” inspired by William Shakespeare’s classic. The story follows two sets of identical twins separated at birth. When their worlds collide, things get straight-up wild—mistaken identities, random beatdowns, almost-romance, and nonstop accusations flying everywhere, from cheating to madness to even demonic possession. It all kicks off at noon, and you can grab your tickets at the theater box office.

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 Tigers FT vs. Toros FT. Then at 1 p.m., defending champs Lions FT go head-to-head with Dawgs 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.

This Weekend

San José City is 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.

Lucho Barahona Theater in San José is serving up laughs with “El que busca, encuentra" ("Track Down"), a comedy based on a play by French writer Marc Camoletti. The setup? Four women sharing a house, each trying to fix their personal drama by secretly posting classified ads. Sounds simple—until their plans crash into each other and everything spirals into hilarious chaos with potential roommates and plenty of conflict. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Tricycle Theater in San José is putting a fun twist on mystery with “Shear Madness,” based on the German play “Scherenschnitt” by Paul Pörtner. This interactive comedy drops you right into a unisex hair salon where a famous pianist upstairs gets murdered—and suddenly everyone’s a suspect. Expect laughs, surprises, and a chance to be part of the action. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and 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.

The Ciudad Quesada community fair in San Carlos, Alajuela, is going all out with its local fair at the San Carlos Cattlemen’s Association in Muelle de San Carlos. This is one of those events where there’s something for everyon: rides, sports, concerts, rodeo action, bullfights, masquerades, and plenty of food to keep you going. It all starts at noon, and the best part, entry is free.

Herradura Beach in Puntarenas is bringing the energy with its Community Fair at the local bullring in the sports field. The schedule is stacked—live music, dance shows, bullfights, a horse parade, food stands, sports, and a playground for the kids. Everything kicks off at noon, and entry is free, so it’s an easy yes.

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.