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 high-energy Pop Music Concert as the National System of Musical Education Orchestra takes over Naranjo Canton Stadium in Alajuela. With a pet-friendly setting, this free-admission event starts at 6 p.m.

The National Symphony Orchestra Concert will fill the National Theater in San José with the breathtaking sounds of Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich. Experience the magic of live orchestral music on Friday at 8 p.m. or Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

On Saturday

Canadian songwriter and singer Shawn Mendes is set to light up the stage at the Parque Viva Events Center in Alajuela. As part of his world tour, the pop star is bringing his signature energy and chart-topping hits like "Life of the Party," "Something Big," and "Stitches " among many others to the delight of his fans. The show kicks off at 3 p.m., and if you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, there’s still time. A limited number of tickets are available on the Eticket website, with prices ranging from $85 to $170. 

History comes to life at the Juan Santamaría Museum in Alajuela with "The Forgotten Hero," a captivating performance by the Malacrianza theater company. Inspired by the incredible story of national hero Juan Santamaría, a young drummer in the Costa Rican army who played a pivotal role in the 1856 Second Battle of Riva. Best of all, it’s completely free! The performance starts at 7 p.m.

Experience the magic of "Encuentro Castella" show at the National Theater in San José. This vibrant showcase features live music, folkloric dance, and ballet performances. With three showtimes, 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., there’s plenty of opportunity to catch this incredible event. Best of all, admission is free.

Celebrate Japanese culture and cuisine at the "Hanami Festival," hosted by the Municipality of San José and the Embassy of Japan, at San José's National Park. This vibrant festival will feature live music, folk dances, delicious food, and cultural activities. The free admission event starts at 11 a.m. and is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

  On Saturday and Sunday

Enjoy the energy and heart of "In the Heights" at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José. Brought to life by the Luciérnaga theater company, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the powerful story of Usnavi, a young Dominican man, and the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of the Washington Heights community in New York City. Catch one of three performances: Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., or Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or on the Special Ticket website. 

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On Sunday

Start your evening with folk music as the Limón Township Orchestra takes the stage at Los Baños Beach in Limón City. With free admission and a pet-friendly atmosphere, the concert kicks off at 5 p.m. 

Join the Costa Rican Orchestra for "Plancha Sinfónica," a vibrant Latin music performance at the Eugene O'Neal Theater in San José. The show kicks off at 5 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of rhythmic beats and captivating melodies. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

 

Don’t miss TNT Theatre Britain’s captivating production of "Don Quixote," inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' timeless masterpiece, at the Expressivo Theater in San José. Part of TNT's Latin American tour, this adaptation features musical direction by Paul Flush and a talented team of Costa Rican actors. Catch the show on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., or Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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.

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.