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

Diesel Rock Band brings an energetic night of classic rock to Jazz Café Pub, in San José. Expect a high-powered set featuring favorite rock hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The concert starts at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available at the venue's box office.

On Saturday

 

Head to the EMAI Auditorium in Santa Ana Canton, San José, for a special screening of Phoenix Rock Opera, featuring Bruce Callow, the director and composer behind the production. This Costa Rican-Canadian musical film project carries a strong humanitarian message. Inspired by the experiences of Canadian UN peacekeepers in Croatia in 1993, Phoenix combines music, film, and meaningful conversation to promote resilience while supporting initiatives that help people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable communities in Costa Rica, Canada, and Europe. The evening includes live music, a screening of the short film, and a discussion with representatives from the Canadian Embassy, the American Legion, and the Municipality of Santa Ana. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is recommended for ages 14 and older. Admission is free.

The Melico Salazar Theater in San José presents the Russian Ballet Gala, featuring the San José Russian Ballet Academy.  The program includes excerpts from celebrated classical works, including La Bayadère, Spring Waters, and Soirées. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or by calling 7290-9000.

El Pescado Loco Rooftop Patio in Dominical Beach, Puntarenas, hosts friendly pickup ball hockey games beginning at 9:30 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join or simply watch the action. The games regularly attract participants from Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Switzerland, and the United States, making it a fun international community event. Admission is free.

On Saturday and Sunday

The National Theater in San José presents "Little Women," based on the beloved novel by American author Louisa May Alcott. The National Theater Company performs the production. Saturday's performance begins at 5 p.m. On Sunday, performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

On Sunday

Treat the kids to a magical afternoon with "The Little Prince" at Expresivo Theater in San José. Inspired by the beloved novella written by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 1943, this family-friendly production brings the timeless story to life on stage. The show starts at 2 p.m.  Grab your tickets at the theater box office or online.

This Weekend

The Espressivo Theater in San José presents "Animal Farm," the acclaimed stage adaptation inspired by George Orwell's satirical allegorical dystopian novel, first published in England on Aug. 17, 1945. The story follows the mistreated animals of Manor Farm as they rise up against their human owner, hoping to build a society where all animals are equal, free, and happy. But their revolution is ultimately betrayed, and under the dictatorship of the pigs, the farm becomes a dystopia much like the one they tried to escape. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

The Escenario Theater in San José presents "LARISSA," a psychological thriller centered on the disappearance of a young girl named Larissa and her parents' desperate search to find her. Recommended for ages 15 and older, the play begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Don't miss "Spring Awakening Musical" at the Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José. Inspired by the 1891 play written by German playwright Benjamin Franklin Wedekind, this powerful musical follows teenagers in 19th-century Germany as they navigate sexuality, strict adult expectations, and the challenges of growing up. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through the Eticket website.

Spend the weekend exploring the Entrepreneurs Fair at the Antigua Aduana Events Center in San José. Browse a wide variety of products, including souvenirs, plants, apparel, jewelry, furniture, and many other locally made items. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or something special for yourself, there's plenty to discover. The fair opens Friday at 1 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, activities begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free.

Head to the central park in Santo Domingo Canton, Heredia, for a weekend filled with entertainment, local traditions, and fun for the whole family.  The Santo Domingo Community Fair features parades, live concerts, and a great selection of local food vendors, making it a perfect place to enjoy the community atmosphere. Festivities begin at noon each day, and admission is free.

Lucho Barahona Theater in San José is serving up laughs with "Everything Can Get Worse." The play follows a chain reaction of hilarious mishaps that begin with a small lie and quickly spiral into one outrageous catastrophe after another. 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. This comedy is intended for audiences 18 and older.

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.

 

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.