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

Get ready for a night of classic rock as the Stone Dive Rock Band brings the sounds of the ’80s and ’90s to Yellow Submarine Pub in San José. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

The Eugene O’Neill Theater in San José hosts a concert by the Higher Institute of Arts featuring young pianists. The program offers a diverse mix of works by great composers including Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Scarlatti and Beethoven, among others, along with jazz and pop music. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or by calling 8739-3181.

On Saturday

San José is turning up the energy with the Flowers Diaspora Fest, backed by the Municipality of San José and the Ministry of Culture to celebrate Afro-Costa Rican culture. The citywide celebration brings together art, music, dance and plenty of creative energy, with live performances, painting workshops, souvenir shopping and food trucks serving up plenty of flavor. There’s also a pet-friendly zone, so your four-legged friends can join the fun. The activities are spread across National Park, Morazán Park, and España Park. The fair starts at 9 a.m., admission is free, and pets are welcome.

Enjoy some classic rock of the 70s as Tortugas Rock Band takes the stage at Yellow Submarine Pub in San José. It’s a straight-up good time with live music and a solid crowd. The show starts at 5 p.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

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.

The National Theater in San José presents "Six Rooms," a play about six teenagers whose lives begin to change during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day when a mysterious anonymous text starts a chain reaction of rumors, comments and seemingly harmless words that leave wounds no one can see. The play starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Celebrate Costa Rican culture at the Independence Day Festival at Nebula Center Aurora in Heredia, marking Costa Rica’s Independence Day celebrations with a weekend packed with folkloric activities, live music, dancing and Costa Rican food stalls. The festival gets started at 11 a.m., and tickets are available at the venue’s box office.

The King Show, inspired by Michael Jackson’s top hits, takes over the Melico Salazar Theater in San José with the Philharmonic Orchestra. This unforgettable tribute takes audiences on a musical journey through the King of Pop’s biggest hits while celebrating the legacy of the iconic singer, songwriter, dancer and philanthropist. Showtime is 8 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or through the PubliTickets webpage.

On Sunday

Tradition takes center stage at Piedades District Central Park in Santa Ana Canton, San José, with the Oxcart Parade, a colorful cultural celebration of one of Costa Rica’s most iconic traditions. More than 50 beautifully decorated oxcarts will roll through the area, accompanied by music and folk dance performances as part of the festivities. The celebration begins at 10 a.m., and admission is free.

Treat the kids to a magical afternoon with "The Little Prince" at Expressivo 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 Escenario Theater at Plaza Tempo Shopping Center in San José hosts the comedy play “One More Week,” inspired by the French original “Une Semaine, Pas Plus” by director Clément Michel. The show delivers sharp humor and is recommended for audiences over 12 years old. Performances start at 8 p.m., with tickets available at the theater box office or online.

The Ride Cultura Fest is taking over the Pacific Coast cantons of Parrita,  Monteverde, El Cedral, Tajo Alto and Buenaventura in Puntarenas Province with a packed lineup of live music, dance, sports, art, film screenings, literacy workshops and much more. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the festival kicks off at 9 a.m., and the best part is that admission is completely free. For the full schedule, check out the Ministry of Culture’s website.

The Aduana Theater in San José presents "Life Is a Dream," inspired by Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s original play, first published in 1636. The story follows Segismundo, the fictional Prince of Poland, who is locked away in a tower by his father, King Basilio, after a grim prophecy warns that the prince will bring disaster to the country and cause the King’s death. Basilio eventually frees Segismundo for a short time, but after the prince goes on a rampage, the king locks him up again and convinces him that everything that happened was just a dream. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or through the Melico Salazar Theater website, which is sponsoring the play.

The Lucho Barahona Theater in San José presents "The Woman in Black," inspired by Susan Hill’s 1983 novel. Set in early 20th-century England, the story follows a young, recently widowed lawyer who travels to a remote village, where he discovers that the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

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 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.