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

The Art City Tour is turning San José into a nighttime cultural circuit. The event opens the doors to multiple museums, galleries, and cultural spaces, and you can hop between stops on their private shuttle buses. Expect special activities throughout the night, exhibitions, guided tours, and more, all connected by a free shuttle system that makes it easy to explore everything. The tours are free, and you can reserve your spot through the Art City Tour website.

The We Are Urban Dance Fest hits the stage at the National Auditorium Theater in San José. The show brings an urban dance competition featuring more than ten professional dance companies, with performers ranging from kids to adults, throwing down their best moves. The festival starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office and on the Tiquete Box website.

The National Network of Music Orchestra is rolling into the Garabito Canton Civic Center for Peace in Puntarenas with a full-on Latin Music concert. The show kicks off at 5 p.m., and it’s totally free, so you can just pull up and enjoy the music.

The San José Municipality Band is taking over the National Museum in San José with a rock concert that’s set to hit hard. The show starts at 7 p.m., and it’s completely free, so you can just show up and enjoy the night.

On Friday and Sunday

The Costa Rica Jazz Fest is leveling up the weekend with three powerhouse jazz musicians taking the stage. Leading the lineup is Dave Pietro, the Grammy-nominated American saxophonist and NYU professor known for his standout sound. He’ll be joined by American jazz pianist and composer Alon Yavnai, a world-touring talent who has led top jazz ensembles at the University of Delaware and recorded with giants like Yo-Yo Ma, Nancy Wilson, Joe Lovano, Freddie Hubbard, and the Boston Pops. Rounding out the trio is Néstor Torres, the Puerto Rican jazz artist, Latin Grammy winner, and Florida International University music professor whose performances always hit different.

The festival takes over five of San José’s most iconic cultural spots at the same time, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra plus more than ten jazz bands. On Friday, the shows start at 8 p.m. at the National Theater, the Parque La Libertad Cultural Center, and the Museum of Art. On Saturday, concerts also kick off at 8 p.m. at the Calderón Guardia Museum, the Parque La Libertad Cultural Center, the Museum of Art, and the Ministry of Culture. All events are free, so you can catch every show without spending a dime.

On Saturday

The Song Without Borders Fest, hosted by the Alliance Française of the French Embassy in Costa Rica, takes over the Alliance Française building in Barrio Amón, San José. The lineup brings a mix of concerts and musical styles, including performances by the Eureka Music Academy. The festival starts at 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at the venue’s box office.

On Saturday and Sunday

The National Park in San José turns into a full-on Korea Festival. It’s a free, all-day hang filled with Korean food, live music, and cultural activities, all backed by the Municipality of San José and the Embassy of Korea. Everything kicks off at 10 a.m., and admission is completely free, so you can drop in, explore, and enjoy the vibe at your own pace.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra is lighting up the Melico Salazar Theater in San José with a Latin Music concert. On Saturday, the show kicks off at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, the program starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or through the One Ticket website.

The Army Abolition Fest takes over the National Museum in San José in honor of Costa Rica’s National Army Abolition Day, officially celebrated on December 1. The event packs the day with cultural performances, concerts, plays, dance shows, an art market, souvenirs, and traditional foods. The festival kicks off at 9 a.m., and it’s the perfect spot to spend the day soaking up culture and history.

The Grecia Canton Community Fair is taking over Central Park in the Santa Gertrudis District of Alajuela. Expect live music, dance performances, and a whole lot of good energy. Everything starts at noon, and it’s all free, so you can just swing by and enjoy the vibe.

The Choreographers Festival is taking over the National Theater in San José, bringing more than ten dance performances from modern dance schools across the country and featuring over 70 professional dancers.  On Friday and Saturday, the show starts at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, it kicks off at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or directly through their website.

The Expressivo Theater in San José is staging “The Elections,” a sharp, satirical comedy following a newly elected president who gets hit with his biggest crisis right before delivering his first speech.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. You can grab your tickets at the theater box office or online.

The San Pablo Community Fair is taking over La Meseta Market in San Pablo, Heredia. Expect live music, dance performances, and a whole lot of energy. Everything kicks off at 7 p.m., and it’s all free. Just roll through and enjoy the vibe.

The Orosi Community Fair is taking over the Orosi Community Hall, located near the local church in Paraíso, Cartago. You’ll catch everything from dancing and live shows to food vendors, bingo, music, local entrepreneurs selling their goods, games, and a full kid-friendly play area. It all kicks off at noon, and the whole thing is free. Just show up and enjoy the scene.

The Fuentes-Gasca Circus has just rolled into Barrio Lourdes Park in San Isidro del General District, Perez Zeledon Canton, San José. It’s a full-on show packed with energy, laughter, and jaw-dropping stunts. We’re talking high-flying trapeze acts, crazy-good jugglers, live music, dancers, clowns that’ll have you cracking up, and a whole lot of magic. Shows run every day at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Grab your tickets right at the box office. 

"Crazy Lucky" at the Máscara Theater in San José. The comedy follows the hilarious chaos that unfolds when a group of friends gets together. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office.

The Torres Theater in San José is featuring the comedy play "Orgasms."  The show takes a funny and honest look at the complexities of modern relationships. Showtimes: on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the theater box office. Please note, the show is for audiences 15 years old and older.

The Moliere Theater in San José shows the comedy play "Papichulo" (Handsome Daddy). The story follows a thief who ends up in all kinds of crazy trouble while trying to rob a house full of women. Showtimes:  Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the theater box office.

Head to the Lucho Barahona Theater in San José is serving up laughs with "Rent An Aunt," a comedy set in the 18th century. The story follows the Count of Villalpando’s family and all the wild chaos that breaks out when everyone’s chasing a big inheritance. Showtimes: Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office.

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. Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing natural event up close!

 

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., and for just $3, you can access all these fantastic activities.

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 $8, or $13 if you want lunch included. 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. Ticket is $20. 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., with tickets costing $7 and 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. Ticket is $15.

 

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. Ticket is $15.

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. Ticket is $11.