The Challenge IrazĂș
Itâs a marathon. On mountain trails. Around a volcano. Sound intense? It is. The Challenge IrazĂș combines multiple races on one action-packed day, which unfold around the breathtaking landscape of the Cartago canton. Just when you think this battle against nature couldnât get more adventurous, consider this: The half-marathon and 10K races takes place at night. Sponsored by New Balance shoes, The Challenge IrazĂș has won global attention for its scenic trail running.
The IrazĂș Marathon takes place March 29 in Tres RĂos and Cartago. 7 a.m. (full marathon) and 5 p.m. (half-marathon and 10K). Info: Race website.
Master Chef
Sixteen teams compete for the title of âMaestro Culinario.â Catch some of Costa Ricaâs finest chefs in action.
âMaestro Culinarioâ takes place April 1 & 2 at the Childrenâs Museum, San JosĂ©. 9 a.m.â5:30 a.m. Free. Reservations: 2288-2331.
Holi One Colour Festival
Like the ancient Indian festival, Holi One is an explosion of colored powder. Wear something disposable, come with a great attitude.
Holi One takes place March 29 at Pedregal Event Center, BelĂ©n. 10:30 a.m. â 10 p.m. âĄ23,500 ($47). Info: Holi One website.
Restaurant Opening: La Sula Sea Lounge
The luxury Hotel Le Caméléon marks its fifth anniversary with a brand-new restaurant, La Sula Sea Lounge. Named after the benevolent Bribrà spirit, the restaurant opens to a beach barbeque, special cocktails, and music.
Opening takes place March 30 at Hotel Le Caméléon, Playa Cocles. 3-10 p.m. Free. Info: Le Caméléon website.
Music: National Symphony Orchestra Plays Salazar Theater
Hear the works of Berlioz and Tchaikovsky performed by the finest orchestra in Costa Rica.
The Symphony plays March 28 (8 p.m.) and March 30 (10:30 a.m.) at the Melico Salazar Theater, downtown San José. Info: National Symphony Orchestra website.
Music: Manuel ObregĂłn
The master pianist and retiring culture minister plays a solo concert in Alajuela.
Manuel ObregĂłn performs April 3 at the Juan SantamarĂa Museum. âĄ1,000 ($2). Info: Juan SantamarĂa Historical Museum website.
Fine Art: âExploring with Glassâ
Artist FernĂĄn Salazar E. presents his glass sculptures of tropical animals.
Reception for âExplorando con el Vidrioâ takes place April 3 at TAOS Plus, San Pedro. 7 p.m. Free. Info & Reservations: 8395-1715.
Music: The Band of Heredia Plays the Beatles
This 22-piece band plays Beatles classics in downtown Heredia. Related concerts include the Bands of San José (March 30, Palmar Sur) and Alajuela (March 30, Alajuela Central Park and Cathedral).
La Banda de Heredia performs March 30 in Central Park of Heredia. 9 a.m. Free. Info: Culture Ministry website.
International Clarinet Festival
This multi-day festival draws musicians from all over the world. See just how diverse clarinet playing can be.
The Clarinet Festival continues through March 29, various times and locations. âĄ2,500-4,500 ($5-9). Info: Festival website.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can get gaga for San José â 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.
Theater: âThe House of the Spiritsâ
Teatro Espressivo presents a theatrical adaptation of Isabel Allendeâs classic novel, âThe House of the Spirits.â This epic magic-realist story receives an inventive adaptation by Caridad Svich.
âThe House of the Spiritsâ continues through April 13 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. âĄ8,000-15,000 ($16-30). Info: Performance website.
Theater: â100 Square Metersâ
Catch the final week of this sharp Spanish-language satire, produced by TIKTAKProductions.
â100 Metros Cuadradosâ runs through March 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San JosĂ©. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. âĄ5,500 ($11) general admission, âĄ3,000 ($6) students. Info: RedCultura site.
Photography: VĂa PanAm
Journey the Pan-American Highway with Dutch photographer Kadir van Lohuizen, part of the International Arts Festival.
âVĂa PanAmâ continues through April 13 at Antigua Aduana, Barrio Aranjuez. Admission is free. Info (in Spanish): International Arts Festival website.
Fine Art: âIn the Woodsâ
The Museum of Costa Rican Art presents this haunting and beautiful series of landscapes by Gerardo GonzĂĄlez. See his unique vision of the rainforest.
âBosque Adentroâ 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.