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 Dance Theater at the National Center for Culture in San José is hosting "Ausencia," a show that combines modern dance with circus art. Expect powerful moves, stunning visuals, and top-tier performers. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. Tickets are waiting for you at the theater box office.

Laughs, drama, and a little mystery with "Death in the Cabaret" play hitting the stage at the Escenario Theater in San José, with a dark comedy twist: a cabaret troupe trying to unmask a secret killer. This one’s strictly 18+, so leave the kids at home. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Snag your tickets at the box office.

On Saturday

The African Diaspora Flowers Festival is taking over San José. Get ready for a full day of Afro-Caribbean vibes, live music, dance shows, food trucks, concerts, and a whole lot more. It’s all going down at both Morazán Park and the National Park, starting at 10 a.m. Admission is free. Just show up, bring your crew, and soak in the culture.

On Saturday and Sunday

The Melico Salazar Theater in San José is all about the magic of movies this weekend. The Philharmonic Youth Orchestra takes the stage with Philharmonic Kids, performing unforgettable soundtracks from children’s films. Showtimes: Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or online at One Ticket CR.

The Heredia Township Orchestra is serving up a folk music concert at the Heredia City Nicolas Ulloa Central Park. The show starts at 10 a.m., and admission is totally free. 

Traditional Games Festival at the Technology University (TEC) in Cartago Province. The university is becoming a large playground. Bring the family out for an event packed with kids’ activities, classic games, picnic spots, live music, and plenty of good vibes. Gates open at 8 a.m., and it’s all free.

The National Motorsports Championship is hitting the track at Parque Viva Sport Center in La Guacima canton, Alajuela. Catch all the action as Supercar, ST, GT3, GT2, TC, and CHR categories go head-to-head. Engines roar at 9 a.m., and you can grab your tickets right at the box office.

Marino Ballena National Park, located in Uvita canton in Puntarenas province, hosts the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival, celebrating one of the world’s best whale-watching seasons. The event coincides with the second phase of the humpback whale migration along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. The three-day festival features whale-watching tours, folkloric dance performances, artisan markets, sporting events, and live music. Admission is free, though tours are priced individually by operators.

The Ride Cultura Festival, backed by the Ministry of Culture, brings energy to the cantons of Chachagua, Sarchi and Atenas in Alajuela, which will be buzzing with live music, dance, sports, art, film screenings, literacy workshops, and more, all free and open to everyone. Want the full lineup of events? Check out the Ministry’s website.

The Venecia Cultural Fair is bringing the whole community together with live music, dance shows, sports, parades, food trucks, bullfights, local vendors, and a playground to keep the kids busy. It all kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Venecia District Central Park in Alajuela. The admission is totally free.

Step into the story at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in San José.  They’re bringing "Hansel and Gretel" to life, inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Showtimes: Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 & 7 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are up for grabs at the box office or online.

The National Theater in San José is staging "My Son Just Walks a Bit Slower," a powerful play by Croatian director Ivor Martinić. It dives deep into the story of three generations of a family, with Branko, a young man in a wheelchair, at the heart of it. Showtimes: Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. Grab your tickets at the box office or online and get ready for an unforgettable night at the theater.

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 Upala canton Sport Field and Multiuso Community Hall in 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.  

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.

Al-Anon meetings Call (506) 8993-1762   Email: rosemaryzitek@yahoo.com

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 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.