Real Estate  /  Rentals  /  Hotels  /  Professional Services Classifieds  / Garden  Restaurants / Tourism  / Culture & Lifestyle  /  Food   / Sports   / BusinessHealth /
Wild Costa Rica

























 It is all about disco nostalgia as “the ABBA History Tribute Show” takes over the Melico Salazar Theater in downtown San José. / Photo courtesy of ABBA History band.

Things To Do This Weekend




You Might
Also Like




















































































Published on Friday, May 8, 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





A full-on cinematic experience to the National Auditorium with the “Galaxy of Hope” concert in San José. The Cartago National Band will perform iconic movie soundtracks live while cosplayers add even more energy and fantasy to the atmosphere. If you’re into epic film music, sci-fi vibes, or just looking for a fun family event, this one’s worth checking out. The show starts at 5 p.m., with tickets available at the venue’s box office or through the Passline website.





Cahuita Beach in Limon is all about Caribbean culture and rhythm as the Calypso Festival celebrates National Calypso Day at Cahuita sports square. Organized by the local municipality, the beachfront event will feature live Caribbean music, carnival energy, traditional food stands, and handmade Caribbean crafts in one of the country’s most iconic coastal settings. Festivities start at noon, and admission is free for everyone.





Rock fans invited to a trip through the legendary sound of Pink Floyd Tribute as Rock Roller Coaster performs at Jazz Café Pub in San José. The tribute concert promises classic progressive rock vibes, iconic guitar solos, and a setlist packed with fan favorites from the legendary British band. The show starts at 1:30 p.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office or on the Ticketbox website.






Visit our website: HomeCareCR.co







On Saturday




It is all about disco nostalgia as “the ABBA History Tribute Show” takes over the Melico Salazar Theater in downtown San José. The acclaimed ABBA History Band from Brazil is bringing more than 15 years of crowd-favorite performances to the stage with live vocals, authentic musicianship, and dazzling ‘70s-inspired costumes that capture the golden era of disco. Expect a high-energy night packed with legendary ABBA hits and nonstop sing-along moments. The show kicks off at 8 p.m., and tickets are available through the Eticket website.





The Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José, the stage heats up with “A Bolero for Mariana,” a vibrant tropical music and dance production featuring the Botafuego Theater and Dance Company. The performance blends rhythm, movement, and dramatic flair into a lively cultural experience that’s perfect for fans of Latin music and dance. There will be two performances, one at 3 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or by calling 8337-3470 for reservations.










On Saturday and Sunday



The Costa Rica Football League rolls out its final showdown at the Pipilo Umaña Stadium in Moravia canton in San Jose. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. with Dawgs FT facing off against Toros FT, and it’s all about high-impact, full-speed action. Expect big hits, loud crowds, and teams leaving it all on the field. Tickets are available at the stadium, plus you’ll find food, drinks, and official merch ready to go.




Animal lovers are in for a fun weekend at the Pet Festival at the Nébula Center in Heredia. Saturday and Sunday will be packed with pet parades, games, music, and plenty of activities for both people and their furry companions. Vendors will also be selling pet supplies and goodies throughout the event, making it an easy pick for anyone who enjoys spending time with animals. The festival starts at 11 a.m., and admission is completely free.







On Sunday



Tropical rhythms back to the Melico Salazar Theater with “The Echo of the Stage,” a dance showcase celebrating the spirit of tropical music in San José. Professional dancers from different companies will light up the stage with energetic choreography and colorful performances designed to keep the crowd moving from start to finish. The show begins at 4 p.m., and tickets are available at the theater box office or on its website.




Escazú Canton in San Jose is getting a Caribbean takeover with
the Calypso Festival at the canton’s central park. Expect colorful carnival-style energy, live Caribbean music, traditional food booths, artisan crafts, and a lively atmosphere inspired by the Caribbean coast. It’s a great chance to enjoy the sounds, flavors, and culture of calypso music right in the middle of the city. The festival starts at noon and is free for all visitors.




The Piedades Sur District in San Ramon canton, Alajuela, will feature a Traditional Horse Parade organized by the local municipality. Riders and beautifully decorated horses will move through the community while live music and family entertainment create a festive small-town atmosphere. There will also be activities for children, making it a relaxed Sunday outing for all ages. The event begins at 10 a.m., and admission is free.




Motorcycle fans can head to Parque Viva Events Center on Sunday for the National Motorcycle Championship in Alajuela. The racetrack will be buzzing with high-speed action as riders compete throughout the day, while food trucks and live music keep the atmosphere going off the track as well. Racing begins at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office or through the Passline website.






This Weekend




Coronado Canton Festival is turning the canton’s central park into a nonstop community celebration. Families can expect carnival rides, live concerts, sports activities, masquerades, traditional rodeo entertainment, bullfights, and a huge variety of local food stands. It’s the kind of laid-back local fair where you can spend the whole day hanging out, eating, and enjoying the atmosphere with friends and family. Activities start at noon, and admission is free.




Meanwhile, the community fair in San Isidro Canton is bringing its own hometown energy to the central park in Heredia. The event mixes classic fair attractions with a strong local vibe, featuring rides, concerts, sports, masquerades, rodeo action, traditional bullfights, and plenty of food vendors serving crowd favorites all weekend long. Festivities begin at noon, and everyone can join in for free.





Over at  Escenario Theater in San Jose, the comedy "Toc Toc" brings the laughs with a wild setup: a group of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder stuck together in a waiting room. Yeah, it gets chaotic in the best way. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or online.




Expresivo Theater in San José is bringing the laughs with “Therapy,” a comedy based on the original play by Argentine writer Matías Del Federico. The story follows three couples stepping into a therapy session hoping to fix their issues, but things spiral into straight-up hilarious chaos instead. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 6 p.m. Grab your tickets at the theater box office or online.










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 in front of Municipality of Cartago Canton in Cartago province. 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.




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.


    


hotelrestaurant103017.jpg