Real Estate  /  Rentals  /  Hotels  /  Professional Services Classifieds  / Garden  Restaurants / Tourism  / Culture & Lifestyle  /  Food   / Sports   / BusinessHealth /
Wild Costa Rica

























The Oregon University Marching Band is the special guest for the 2025 Marching Band Fest.
Photo via Oregon University.


Things to do this weekend




You Might
Also Like




















































































Published on Friday, May 9, 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 and Saturday





If you're tryna catch good vibes and sweet rhythms, slide through to the Calypso Festival at Alfredo González Flores Park, in Cahuita Beach, Limón.  We’re talkin’ live beats from heavy hitters like Junior y su Calypso, Los del Barrio, Calypso Family Band, Cantoamérica, Mike Joseph & di Gud Frendz, Kawe Calypso, and a whole squad of rhythm masters ready to light up the stage. On Friday, the show starts at 5 p.m. On Saturday at 2 p.m.  It’s pet-friendly and free admission.






Panoramic Ocean View House
and Infinity Pool for Sale


For more info visit
Rich Coast Realty’s website







On Saturday



The National Theater in San José is bringing the vibes with a special concert: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, inspired by the legendary William Shakespeare himself. The show kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or grab ‘em online.




The Jazz Café Pub in San José features the  Diesel Rock Band, bringing you the best of rock from the '60s to the '90s. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Just swing by the venue's box office to snag your tickets.





Pull up to Pista Classic Events Center in El Pueblo Shopping Center in San José, where the Glorious B*stards Rock Band is tearing up the stage with a full-throttle tribute to the greats.  We’re talkin’ iconic tracks from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, KISS, Heart, Mötley Crüe, and more. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Snag your tickets at the venue box office.





The Limón Institute of Musical Education Orchestra is serving up a full dose of calypso goodness at the Walter Ferguson Culture House in Cahuita Beach. The music kicks off at 3 p.m., so come early, catch a seat, and soak in those Caribbean vibes straight from the source. Admission is free.








On Saturday and Sunday




The  Family Fest will take place in the Sabana Central Park, San José. Looking for a fun, family-friendly plan? The Municipality of San José is hosting the event packed with activities for all ages, including DJ music, skate games, inflatable bouncy games, dances & aerobics, food trucks, kids’ playground, concerts and more! The pet-friendly & free admission fest starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Bring the whole family, furry friends included, and enjoy a fun-filled day in the city.





Calling all pet lovers!  The Pets Fest is going down at the Nebula Show Center in Heredia. This is a full-on pet party with everything from pet product sales, food trucks, music, kids’ games, and tons of fun for the whole family. Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission is free.





The Danzatón 2025 Fest is taking over the Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José.  Professional dancers from the National Dance Association will be bringing their A-game, taking you on a journey through some of the most iconic and popular dance styles from history.  Saturday catch two shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Sunday, there are two more shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.   Tickets are available at the theater box office or get ‘em online.






On Sunday




Prepare for an evening of pure vocal magic as the University of Oregon Chamber Choir takes the stage at the National Theater in San José. With 36 voices led by the talented Dr. Sharon J. Paul, this choir is award-winning, having crushed five of the top choral competitions around the globe. In 2024, they took first place in both the University Choir and Sacred Choral Music categories at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. The two concerts start at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.





The National Theater in San Jose is turning up the heat with a concert you don’t wanna miss: “Caribbean Rhythms.” They’re bringing the rhythm straight from the coast with two calypso powerhouses: Kawe Calypso and the Beachers. Expect steel drums, smooth grooves, and good times that’ll have you swaying like a palm tree in the breeze. The show starts at 2 p.m. ️ Snag your tickets at the theater box office or cop 'em online.





Treat yourself to some feel-good tropical vibes as the Puntarenas Township Orchestra takes over the Ignacio Pérez Zamora Park in Puntarenas City for a smooth, sunshine-filled concert. They’re bringing the rhythm, the warmth, and all the island energy starting at 10 a.m. perfect way to start your Sunday on the right note. Admission is free and pet-friendly too.




The Guanacaste Township Orchestra is bringing that tropical flavor straight to the Cañas Park in the heart of Guanacaste. They hit the stage at 7 p.m., so pull up ready to vibe under the stars with smooth sounds and breezes. Admission is free. Pets are welcome.


 






This Weekend





The Oregon University Marching Band is the special guest for the 2025 Marching Band Fest at the National Cultural Center in San Jose. The Ducks are one of the 20 top-notch municipal marching bands from all over the country, ready to bring the brass, the beats, and the moves. On Friday, the show starts at 1:30 p.m. On Saturday & Sunday, the festivities kick off at 11 a.m. Don’t miss Sunday at 1 p.m., when Oregon’s band blows the roof off. Admission is free.





The Comedia Theater in San José presents the comedy show “Not So Virgin,” featuring a top-tier cast of Costa Rica’s funniest comedians. This show’s packed with wild short stories, off-the-wall characters, and enough jokes to keep you cracking up all night long. Curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Hit up the theater box office and lock your tickets.









Catch the romantic comedy "As Simple as That" (Así de Simple) at the Expressivo Theater in San José. It’s real, it’s funny, and it hits love, drama, and all the messy stuff in between when love alone just ain’t cutting it. Friday & Saturday shows kick off at 8 p.m. Sunday winds down with a 6 p.m. performance. ️ Snag your tickets at the box office or online.





 

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 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.





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





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.









    


hotelrestaurant103017.jpg