‘Mother Africa’ acrobatics, British picnics and other happenings around Costa Rica

Mother Africa

Prepare for sensory overload: Created by acrobat Winston Ruddle, “Mother Africa” combines Pan-African music, song, tumbling and step dance. The extravaganza showcases two dozen performers, celebrating not only the continent but also the breadth of the African diaspora.

“Madre Africa” takes place April 25 through May 4 at the National Gymnasium, La Sabana. Mon.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 3 & 8 p.m. VIP seating ₡29,000 ($60), general admission ₡23,000 ($46) and budget tickets ₡16,000 ($32). Info: eTicket 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.

Art: “Cuerpo Ajeno”

“Foreign Body” showcases photographs of transgendered people of Central America.

“Cuerpo Ajeno” opens Friday, April 25, at Galería Talentum, Barrio Amón. 8 p.m. Free. Info: Galería Talentum Facebook page.

Monteverde Craft Beer Festival

This inaugural beer festival celebrates high-quality hops in the midst of Costa Rica’s cloud forests.

The Monteverde Craft Beer Festival takes place April 25 and 26 in Monteverde. Monteverde residents ₡8,000 ($16), one-day pass ₡15,000 ($30), two-day pass ₡17,000 ($34). Info: Festival Facebook page.

American Football: Toros vs. Bulldogs

One of the last games of the 2014 season, fought between two diehard rivals.

The game kicks off April 26 at Pipilo Umaña Stadium, Moravia. 3 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: American Football website.

Music: Ana Maria Roldan and Adrian Cespedes

Spanish-language pop band plays late-night show.

Concert plays at Jazz Cafe, Escazú. 10 p.m. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: Jazz Café website.

Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Learn how to couple wine and chocolate at this informative (and delicious) tasting event.

“The Art of Chocolate and Wine” takes place April 26 at Cocina Eclectica, Escazú. 6:30 p.m. 12,000 ($24). Info & Reservations: 8706-6774.

British Community Charity Picnic

Both a reunion for the British expatriates and a fine excuse to raise funds for cash-strapped Costa Rican schools, this annual picnic overflows with food and libations. English knickknacks also for sale onsite.

The British Community Charity Picnic takes place April 27 at the Zamora Estate in Santa Ana. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., adults ₡12,000 ($24), children, ₡6,000 ($12). Info: 8332-6861.

Youth Fishing Tournament

This kid-oriented tourney introduces young anglers to smart, responsible fishing.

El Torneo de Pesca Deportiva Infantil takes place April 26 in Quepos, Puntarenas. Info: FECOP website.

Fair & Oxcart Parade

There is nothing more Tico than an oxcart, and add some ceviche, dancing, and live music in the heart of Atenas, and you’ve got a true Costa Rican party.

La Fería del Clima y Desfile de Boyeros takes place April 25-27 in the central park of Atenas. Free. Info: 2446-0224.

Self-Improvement: The Connection

A potluck of shared stories and lessons, hosted by Denise Volio in her home.

Sessions in English take place April 28 and May 1 at  (2 & 7 p.m.) in San Pedro. Info: denisevolio27@yahoo.com.

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.