Concert: Calle 13
After releasing their latest album “Multi_Viral” in March, the Puerto Rican stepbrothers known as “Residente” and “Visitante” bring their hard-nosed Caribbean hip-hop to the Pedregal Event Center. This will be the duo’s first Costa Rica show since 2012. Calle 13 is among the most exciting Latin groups of the decade, having won Record of the Year at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards. Their music runs the gamut of styles and influences, from salsa and reggaeton to rap and electronica.
Calle 13 performs at May 17 at the Pedregal Event Center, San Antonio de Belén. 6 p.m. ₡20,000 ($40). Info: SpecialTicket website.
Music: “The Best of Glenn Miller”
The Tico Jazz Band performs favorite standards at the National Theater.
“Lo Mejor de Glenn Miller” performs May 20 at the National Theater, downtown San José. Noon. ₡1,000-2,000 ($2-4). Info: National Theater website.
International Museum Day
Founded in 1977, this global holiday celebrates museums, zoos and exhibition spaces. Spend your Sunday at one of the many participating museums in San José and its environs.
Events take place throughout San José. See the full schedule here.
Exhibit: “Tintin”
A retrospective on the dashing young journalist, his pup Snowy and his friend Captain Haddock. Visit the Alianza Francesa to see the works of Belgian cartoonist Hergé.
The Tintin exhibit takes place May 2-31 at the Alianza Francesa, La Sabana. Free. Info: Alianza Francesa website.
Art: “Mayo en Verde”
Celebrate the coming of the “Green Season” with these colorful landscapes, painted by a variety of Costa Rican artists.
“Mayo en Verde” takes place at the López Ecarré Gallery, National Theater, downtown San José. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. Info: Gallery website.
Multimedia: “Micro-Theater” at Casa Ibero
A series of 15-minute plays, plus a half-dozen other avant-garde activities, take place this weekend at the brand-new artists collective in Casa Ibero.
Performances take place May 15-18 at Casa Ibero, Los Yoses. Thu. & Sun., 6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m. Info: Casa Ibero website.
Film Festival: “Future Shorts”
This “pop-up” film festival showcases a variety of short films from around the world.
“Future Shorts” screens May 19 at the Spanish Cultural Center. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Spanish Cultural Center website.
Music: “Retrospectiva”
Songwriter Michael Córdoba presents songs from his freshman album, “Retrospectiva.”
Córdoba performs May 16 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante, San José. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 2257-2919, GAMCultural website.
Zoo Night Walk
The Zoo takes on a completely different personality in the dark. Stroll the walkways beneath the stars during this special nocturnal tour.
The Zoo Night Walk takes place May 16 at the Simón Bolivar Zoo, Barrio Amón. 6-9 p.m. Info: Fundazoo website.
Music: “Our Black Roots”
Calypso, reggae, salsa, bolero – savor a bouquet of Pan-African rhythms with the remarkable folk group Cantoamérica.
Nuestras Raíces Negras performs May 17 at Mundoloco El Chante, San Pedro. 9 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: RedCultura website.
Music: “Voodoo Funk”
DJ Frank Gossner spins his favorite funk vinyls at El Sótano. Get ready to dance.
Concert takes place May 17 at El Sótano, Barrio Amón. 9 p.m. ₡1,000 ($2). Info: RedCultura website.
Art: “A Family Portrait of Helvetica”
This dual exhibit features a fascinating exploration on the typeface Helvetica, by artist Mimiam Hsu.
“Retrato Familiar en Helvética” and “Ojalá el Sol Me Esconda” display through June 28 TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.
Film: “The Magician”
This 1958 Swedish film is a fable about science, illusion, and small-town culture. Catch the Ingmar Bergman masterpiece at the Monge Museum.
“El Mago” screens May 17 at the Joaquín García Monge Museum, Desamparados. 6:30 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: GAMCultural website.
Film: “Same Old Song”
One of the oddest musicals in history, Alain Resnais’ 1997 film uses classic songs in a completely disarming way. Check it out at the Alianza Francesa’s ongoing film series.
“On Connaît la Chanson” screens May 23 at the Alianza Francesa, Barrio Amón. 6 p.m. Free. Info: Alianza Francesa website.
Art: Great Painters Exhibit
Paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Andy Warhol arrive in Costa Rica. Presented by the National Gallery, this collection incorporates 158 artworks and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture, based in the former penitentiary.
“Herencia del Arte” takes place April 28–June 28 at the National Gallery in Barrio Mexico. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can get gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-long celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check back for games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.
Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website.