Jacó Arts Festival
If there’s one thing people know how to do in Jacó, it’s party. But unlike the usual after-surf drinking binges, the Jacó Arts Festival celebrates the region’s crafts and culture. During the day you’ll find tents full of paintings, sculpture, handmade clothing, and traditional masks. At night you’ll find clowns, acrobats, musicians and every variety of street food. Jacó is best known for decent waves and killer nightlife, but as the Arts Festival proves, there’s a lot of creativity in that gritty old beach town.
Festival takes place March 7-16 in downtown Jacó. Free. Info: Festival website.
Paula Rock Festival
Paula Coto Velerín was an upbeat young rock lover and musician who was killed in a tragic car accident in 2008. When friends and family put together a concert in her memory, they had no idea that the Paula Rock Festival would become an annual celebration. The seventh edition of this one-day festival features a full roster of Costa Rican rock bands.
The Paula Rock Festival takes place March 8 at the Casa de la Ciudad, Cartago. 5 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: RedCultura site.
Theater: “100 Square Meters”
Sara has found the perfect property, except for one thing: If she buys it, the 70-year-old owner gets to stay until she dies. But will cigarettes and booze actually kill the old woman, or will Sara wait indefinitely? Find out during Juan Carlos Rubio’s stage play is, thanks to Spain-based TIKTAKProductions.
“100 Metros Cuadrados” performs through March 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11) general admission, ₡3,000 ($6) students. Info: RedCultura site.
Film: “Eyes Wide Shut”
A film series on George Lucas and Stanley Kubrick finally finishes with the surreal erotic thriller “Eyes Wide Shut.” Will Tom Cruise find his way to a masked orgy? What will his combative wife think? Find out at this free screening.
Screening takes place March 13 at Casa Batsú, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: RedCultura site.
Theater: “The Vagina Monologues”
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Eve Ensler’s powerful monologue series, presented by University for Peace students.
“The Vagina Monologues” will take place March 8 at the Teatro de la Palestra, Casa de Cultura, Ciudad Colón. 7 p.m. $4-6. Info: EventBrite website.
Theater: “The Glass Menagerie”
The Little Theater Group presents its final weekend of “The Glass Menagerie,” during a special engagement in Jacó.
“The Glass Menagerie” takes place at Teatro Jacó, downtown Jacó. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. $20. Info: Teatro Jacó website.
Theater: “Rey Lear” Revival
The Shakespeare classic returns for an encore performance at the Teatro de la Aduana. The National Theater Company presents this acclaimed Spanish-language production starring Óscar Castillo.
“El Rey Lear” continues through March 9. Teatro de la Aduana, Barrio Carmen. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info & Tickets: 2257-8305.
Theater: “The House of the Spirits”
Teatro Espressivo presents a theatrical adaptation of Isabel Allende’s classic novel, “The House of the Spirits.” This epic magic-realist story receives an inventive adaptation by Caridad Svich.
“The House of the Spirits” continues through April 13 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡8,000-15,000 ($16-30). Info: Performance website.
Fine Art: “In the Woods”
The Museum of Costa Rican art presents this haunting and beautiful series of landscapes by Gerardo González. See his unique vision of the rain forest.
“Bosque Adentro” continues through April 6 at the Museum of Costa Rican Art, La Sabana Park. Tue.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info: Museum 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.
