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 The National Theater in San José is presenting "The Little Mermaid ballet," inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale.

Things To Do This Weekend




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Published on Friday, August 8, 2025
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







The National Auditorium Theater in San José cranks up the volume with Coldplay Symphonic, a powerhouse performance by the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. All the biggest hits from the legendary British band get a lush, symphonic twist—paired with a stunning light and image show that moves with the music. Doors open at 7 p.m. Grab your tickets at the box office or online through Stat Ticket.




The Cartago Township Orchestra will give a
Ghibli Studio's Movies Soundtracks Concert at the Municipality Amphitheater in Cartago. The show begins on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free.




The Guanacaste Township Orchestra will give a Latin Music Concert at the Peloncito community public school in Liberia Canton, Guanacaste. The show begins on Friday at 9 a.m. Admission is free.




The San Carlos Institute of Musical Education Orchestra is serving up a Latin Music Concert at the Peace Civic Center in San Carlos Canton, Alajuela. The music kicks off at 7 p.m. Admission is free.




The Cartago Cultural Center in Cartago, bursts into color with the Cultural Festival Pasacalle. Expect lively shows, traditional and modern dances, live music, and hands-on cultural activities from morning till evening. It all kicks off at 10 a.m. Admission’s free.













On Friday and Saturday




Club Unión in San José turns into a little slice of Buenos Aires with the Fantasy Tango Show. Sip on fine wines, soak up the music, and watch tango dancers light up the floor with every dramatic step. The show kicks off at 4 p.m., and you can snag your tickets right at the club’s box office.













On Saturday and Sunday







The Melico Salazar Theater in San José turns into a disco dream with Mamma Mia: The Musical. Over 20 pro dancers and singers light up the stage with hits from ABBA, the Bee Gees, and other icons that’ll have you fighting the urge to sing along. Saturday features two shows at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., while Sunday’s performance starts at 4 p.m. Snag your tickets at the theater box office or online through One Ticket.





The Torres Theater in San José, sets the stage for Between Tango and Memories, a sultry, soulful show inspired by the passion of tango music. Professional dancers bring the moves, the mood, and the drama starting at 3 p.m. both days. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office.









This Weekend




The National Theater in San José dives under the sea with The Little Mermaid ballet, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. Featuring over 30 dancers and a live orchestra, this production brings the story to life with stunning visuals and sweeping music. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater’s box office or online through Eticket.





The San Marcos Cultural Festival is taking over the heart of Tarrazú Canton in San José, with music, dance, live shows, and a whole lot more. Backed by the local municipality and the Ministry of Culture, this all-day celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. and brings the energy from morning till night. Bring your crew, bring your pets—it’s all free, and everyone’s welcome. For the full scoop on what’s going down, check out the Ride Cultural website.

 











The Vargas Calvo Theater in San José,  is turning up the drama with The Desire ("El Deseo") inspired by the work of playwright Víctor Hugo Rascón. It’s the bold, heartfelt story of Susan, a woman over 50 who shakes things up by starting a romance with a much younger man, and all the chaos that comes with it. Curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Grab your seats at the theater box office or online through the National Theater’s site, which is backing this production. The play is 18+ adult-only content.




The Expressivo Theater brings the laughs with Addicted to You ("Adicto a vos"), a comedy about five women stuck in an airport, and all the hilarious chaos that follows. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 6 p.m. You can grab tickets at the theater box office or score them online.






Step right up to the Fuentes-Gasca Circus at the Carlos Ugalde Stadium in Ciudad Quesada, Alajuela. The dazzling show is filled with excitement and wonder. Witness incredible trapeze artists, captivating music, lively dance, talented jugglers, hilarious clowns, and magical acts. Performances are held daily at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the circus box office. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable circus experience.  





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.





Al-Anon meetings
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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 for a hilarious comedy, The Mummy, starring comedian characters Juan Vainas and Chibolo. Inspired by a spooky Halloween tale, the play dives into the fun question: What would you do if you found a sarcophagus buried right in your backyard? Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are just $15 and 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 $20 and available at the theater box office.




 






Take a thrilling journey back in time at the Children's Museum in San José with Jurassic World Experience. The 26 life-like animatronic dinosaurs in an immersive Jurassic atmosphere, complete with exciting games that let kids feel like true paleontologists. The adventure begins at 9 a.m. Tickets are just $3 and can be purchased at the museum box office.


 



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.






 

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 $30 for adults and $15 for children, available on the center's website. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation!




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. Tickets are just $10! 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. The tour is just $8. 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 for just $16, you can dive into all the excitement!





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 $10, 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 just $3! Grab yours now on the museum's website and let the fun begin!




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.






Have a "Pura Vida" weekend chilling out with family and friends.


    


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