Super Bowl/Elections and other happenings around Costa Rica

The Super Bowl

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Feb. 2 is going to mean pandemonium in Costa Rica, partly because of a nail-bitingly close election, and partly because of the great battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. Lots of expats are already well equipped with high-def TVs and fridges full of Budweiser, but if you’re looking for some company, consider visiting one of the many U.S.-style sports bars in town, such as The Sportsman’s Lodge (Barrio Amón, San José), Chubbs Sports Bar (San José, Escazú), and Goool! Sports Bar (Escazú). There shouldn’t be any shortage of places to catch the game, since pretty much any U.S. chain restaurant will be airing it live.

Super Bowl XLVIII takes place Sun., Feb. 2, at 5:30 p.m. (Costa Rican Time). Info: NFL website.

Los Okupas to showcase artists

Twenty artists from the Los Okupas (“The Squatters”) collective will give presentations of their works, from short films to music, dance, and fine art. Catch this diverse showcase at Amón Solar, a cultural space within Bar El Sótano. A free concert takes place at 11 p.m. both nights.

El Sótano takes place Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Bar El Sótano, Barrio Amón. 8 p.m. 1,500 ($3). Info: Selma Solórzano, Mauricio Miranda, 8827-9168.

Music: SINEM Ensemble features children’s orchestra

Young students from the Carmen Lyra National Children’s Orchestra will show their classical skills in Cartago – the second of a two-part concert series.

Concert takes place Jan. 31at Church of Paradise, Cartago. 6 p.m. Free.

Art opening: “Spacial Constructions”

U.S. native Michael Baker presents his abstract sculptures, shaped from metal, at Hidden Garden Art Gallery. Baker will be there for the grand opening of “Spacial Constructions,” his Calder-esque celebration of physical form.

Exhibit opening takes place Feb. 1 at Hidden Garden Art Gallery, Liberia, Guanacaste. 1-10 p.m. Free. Info: Hidden Garden website.

Historical cartoon exhibition

How better for kids to understand history than through comic strips? Eighteen illustrated works tell the early history of Costa Rica, thanks to a comics workshop hosted by the Juan Santamaría Historical Museum.

Exhibit continues through Feb. 27 at the Juan Santamaría Historical Museum, Alajuela. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. Info: Museum Facebook page.

Music: Social Club

Social Club is a showcase series for young and upbeat musicians. Dancing encouraged. Featuring the visual art of Diego Fournier.

Concert takes place Jan. 31 at Mundoloco El Chante, San Pedro, San José. 2,500 ($5). 9 p.m. Info: Red Cultura website.

Music: Tragedy

The Portland-based hard-rock band plays Bar La Burbujita, joined by a host of Costa Rican outfits.

Concert takes place Feb. 2. Bar La Burbujita, Barrio San Francisco. 5 p.m. 2,500 ($5). Info: Red Cultura website.

More American football

If the Superbowl just isn’t enough, tune into American football in Costa Rica. A live game happens today in the Central Valley: Bulldogs vs. Saints.

Game takes place Jan. 31 at Pipilo Umaña Stadium, San Vicente. 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. ₡2,000, or Free for children 12 and under. Info:  www.AmericanFootballCR.com