Caricaco Music and Arts Festival
The stars have aligned: Caricaco is (a) an excuse to visit the bucolic town of Nosara, (b) an all-star lineup of Costa Rican bands, from Ojo de Buey to Sonámbulo, (c) a massive gathering of fun-loving people in the luxurious tropical setting of Finca Austria. The one-day festival starts early Saturday afternoon and continues late into the night. A Nicoya Peninsula fixture since 2009, Caricaco will make you want to stick around for the whole weekend.
Caricaco takes place March 15 in Finca Austria, Nosara. 3 p.m. ₡20,000 ($40). Info: Festival website.
St. Patrick’s Day Beer Festival
On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s Irish – including partygoers outside an Escazú Walmart. This two-day beer festival celebrates the food and libations of the Emerald Isle. But pace yourself: The carnival begins in the late morning and goes late into the night. Good thing there’s a taxi stand right next door.
The St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place March 15 and 16 in front of Walmart, Escazú, southwest of the capital. Sat., 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–9 p.m. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: Event ticketing site.
Guanacaste Cultural Festival
This cornucopia of traditional food, dance and crafts celebrates Guanacastecan culture in the heart of the provincial capital of Liberia. The festival also coincides with the Under 17 Women’s World Cup tournament, which takes place in Costa Rica this year.
Festival takes place March 14-18 around Mario Cañas Ruíz Park, Liberia, Guanacaste. Daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Info: RedCultura website.
National Film Festival on the Beach
Catch this revue of Latin American films, set against the rain forest backdrop of Manuel Antonio. One film screened per night through Sunday, each telling a different Spanish-language story of love and adventure.
La Festival Nacional de Cine en la Playa continues March 16 in front of the Rotunda in Manuel Antonio. Films start nightly at 7 p.m. Free. Info: Festival website.
Fifth International Festival of Arab Arts
Belly dancing and Mediterranean food – it’s a perfect combination. The Festival of Arab Arts is a rare glimpse at the folk traditions from the Arabian Peninsula, hosted by MADC.
Festival takes place March 14-16 at the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design, Barrio Amón, San José. Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ₡2,000-5,000 ($4-10). Info: RedCultura website.
Music: Victor Kapusta
The singer-songwriter performs romantic songs in an intimate setting.
Victor Kapusta performs March 15 at Bar Micheladas, Moravia. 9 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: Victor Kapusta Facebook page.
A Night of Celtic Music
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, some reels and ballads from the Emerald Isle.
Concert takes place March 14 at Casa de España, Sabana North. 8 p.m. Free. Info: Event Facebook page.
Music: Son Mayor Orchestra
Dance to salsa classics at one of San José’s most rambunctious clubs.
Son Mayor Orchestra plays March 14 at Casa Zeller, San José. 9 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info: Casa Zeller Facebook page.
Theater: A Dream Artist
This experimental drama by José Sanchis Sinisterra explores abuse of power, in a co-production by The National Theater Company of Costa Rica and The Little Theater Collective.
“A Dream Artist” continues through April 5 at the Calderón Guardia Museum, Barrio Escalante. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. General admission ₡4,000 ($8) or ₡2,000 ($4) for students. Info: 8422-1438.
Art: “Forces of Nature”
Alonso Duran’s acrylic paintings receive an opening party at Hidden Garden Art Gallery in Liberia.
“Forces of Nature” opens March 15. Hidden Garden Art Gallery is located 4 km west of Daniel Oduber International Airport. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: hiddengarden.thevanstgroup.com.
Film: “Ay, Carmela!”
What could possibly be funny about the Spanish Civil War? How about a bunch of vaudeville performers caught in the crossfire?
“Ay, Carmela!” will be screened March 20 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Red Cultura website.
International Design Festival
Festival Internacional de Diseño continues March 14 and 15, Old Customs House (“Antigua Aduana”), Barrio Escalante. $75-140. Info: Festival website.
Film: Oscar and Golden Globe Festival
San José’s Cine Magaly continues its screenings of Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated films.
Film series plays through March 19 at Cine Magaly, Barrio California, San José. Various times. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: Cine Magaly Facebook page.
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.
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, 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.
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.
