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 and Saturday

Michael Jackson and Friends Concert at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José, featuring the Universal Orchestra. This unforgettable tribute show will take you on a musical journey through the King of Pop's biggest hits, celebrating the legacy of the iconic singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Showtime 8 p.m.   Tickets start at $45 and are available at the theater box office or online.

The British Embassy invites the public to the British Weekend Festival, a celebration of UK culture featuring gastronomy, art, music, and innovation. The festival aims to showcase various aspects of British culture, including tea traditions, literature, academic contributions, innovation and technology, gastronomy, healthcare, and the automotive industry. Attendees can enjoy British food stations, tea parties, folk dances, and trivia games to immerse themselves in UK traditions. Live performances will include singer Kurt Dyer and the BeaGirls Band, playing classic hits from legendary bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Queen among others. This free admission and pet-friendly event will take place at Avenida Escazú Shopping Center in San José, starting at noon on both days.

Bring your furry friends to the Pet Festival at the San José Children's Museum. The fun-filled event features games, music, a pet parade, and pet supplies for sale. It’s the perfect outing for animal lovers of all ages. The free admission festival begins at 9 a.m.

BBQ & Grilling Fest will take place at Nebula Events Center in Heredia. The program is packed with everything a BBQ lover could want, live grilling demos, epic BBQ competitions, top BBQ brands, live music, and food trucks serving smoky flavorful eats. The free admission and pet-friendly festival starts at 11 a.m.  

  This weekend

Transitarte Festival in San José, sponsored by the Municipality of San Jose and the Ministry of Culture, brings art, music, dance, and so much more to multiple locations across the city. This three-day festival has something for everyone, live performances, painting workshops, souvenir shopping, delicious food trucks, and even a special pet-friendly zone. You’ll find events taking place at National Park, Morazán Park, España Park, Jardín de Paz Park, Liberty Pak, and Sabana Central Park. Festival Schedule: Friday kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday & Sunday activities start at 9 a.m. Sunday festival finale concert featuring top pop and tropical music bands at 3 p.m. in Sabana Central Park. Admission is free, and pets are welcome.  Visit the Ministry of Culture’s website for the full lineup and schedule.  

 

The Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José is bringing you the gripping drama "The House," a powerful story about a family torn apart by greed, selfishness, and power struggles within their own walls. Showtimes: Friday: 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase at the theater box office or online.

Expo San Carlos takes place at the  San Carlos canton fairgrounds, Alajuela, organized by the Chamber of Cattle Ranchers. It’s an event for the whole family, featuring lively music, carousels, games, livestock exhibitions, a horse parade, masquerades, a BBQ area, and concerts. Tickets are $25 and available at the venue’s box office.

 

Head to Expressivo Theater in Curridabat, San José, for the hilarious comedy "Growing Up." This brilliantly crafted play blends farce with a creative TV show format, delivering sharp laughs while exploring the ups and downs of young adults stepping into independence. Catch the fun at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, or enjoy a Sunday show at 6 p.m. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at the theater box office.

The Aduana Theater in San José presents the powerful and deeply moving play "My Son Just Walks a Bit Slower" by renowned Croatian director Ivor Martinić. This thought-provoking production takes audiences on an emotional journey through three generations of a family, with a special focus on Branko, a young man navigating life in a wheelchair. Catch the show on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., or enjoy a Sunday performance at 5 p.m. Secure your tickets for just $18 at the theater box office.

Step right up to the Fuentes-Gasca Circus at the Oxigeno Mall in Heredia. 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 p.m. Tickets are just $6 and can be purchased at the circus box office. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable circus experience.  

Get ready for a night of laughs and surprises with "Trapped in an Elevator" at the Máscara Theater in San José. This comedy follows a group of strangers stuck in a tiny elevator during a power outage. As time ticks by, tensions rise, personalities clash, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a twist shakes up everything.  Showtimes on Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. On Sunday at 5 p.m.  Tickets are $20 at the theater box office. Don't miss out on this hilarious play!

 

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 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 and a memorable night out!

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. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to step into the world of dinosaurs!

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. Don’t miss this uproarious play, it's sure to be a comedy experience you won’t forget!

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. Don’t miss out on a day of creativity and excitement!

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

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!

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!

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! Don't miss out on the fun—it's time for an unforgettable day at the beach!

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. Don’t miss out on the perfect spot for family fun and adventure!

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.