International Guitar Festival
The wait is over: The 20th Interational Guitar Festival returns to Costa Rica. Honoring the late Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, the festival showcases global musicians of every genre and style.
Festival Internacional de Guitarra takes place Sept. 24-28 at the National Theater. Wed.-Sun., 8 p.m. ₡8,000-15,000 ($16-30). Info: National Theater website.
Theater: “Stories of My Auntie Panchita: The Musical”
Every child in Costa Rica reads the charming stories of Tía Panchita, penned by Carmen Lyra. Famous for their animal characters, like Uncle Rabbit and Uncle Coyote, the Panchita stories come to life on the stage of the Melico Salazar Theater. Catch the rock musical adaptation this weekend, created and produced by Mario Campos.
“Cuentos de Mi Tía Panchita” plays Fri.-Sun., Melico Salazar Theater. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 7 p.m. ₡7,000-16,000 ($14-32). Info: Event Facebook page.
Comedy: “Encounter Improv” Festival
Improv comedy – Costa Rican style! We would tell you what this sixth annual event is going to be like, but nobody knows. Just assume the Liga Tica de Improvisación knows what it’s doing.
“Encuentro International de Impro” takes place Sept. 19-21 at the Giratablas Theater, Los Yoses. Fri.-Sun., 8 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info: RedCultura.
International Day of Peace
Nothing says “make love, not war” like a group meditation at a downtown arts center. Founded by the United Nations in 1982, the International Day of Peace is celebrated all over the world. Visit the National Cultural Center (CENAC) for food, art, and yoga.
El Día Internacional de la Paz celebration takes place Sept. 21 at CENAC, downtown San José. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Info: Culture Ministry website.
Film: French Cinema Tour
Before you buy your ticket, remember to stock up on tissues: These French films from the past two years promise to be emotional rollercoasters.
Film festival takes place Sept. 25 – Oct. 8 at Cinépolis, Desamparados. Info: Event Facebook page.
Tamarindo Beach Marathon
No fewer than 4,500 athletes will show up in the Guanacaste beach town to run up to 42 km.
Marathon takes place Sept. 20 in Tamarindo. 5 a.m. Info: Event website.
Music: Loud4
The Costa Rican band plays acoustic covers of 80s and 90s classics.
Loud4 plays Sept. 20 at Club Vyrus, San Pedro. 9 p.m. ₡2,000 ($4). Info: Vyrus Facebook page.
Theater: “The Sheperd’s Martyrdom”
Learn about the life and death of Archbishop Óscar Romero in the National Theater Company’s revival of Samuel Rovinski Gruszco’s 1987 drama.
“El Martirio del Pastor” continues through Oct. 28 at the Antigua Aduana, Barrio Aranjuez. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 6 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: National Theater Company website.
Art: Fausto Pacheco
A retrospective of the emblematic Costa Rican artist and others inspired by his pastoral landscapes.
Exhibit continues through Sept. 28 at the Calderón Historical Museum, Barrio Escalante. Free. Info: Museum website.
Exhibit: “Toys, Memories, and Friends”
Feel the rush of nostalgia as you peruse vintage toys at the National Gallery.
“Juguetes, Recuerdos, y Amigos” continues through Sept. 30 at The National Gallery, downtown San José. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.
Theater: “Sushi’s Journey”
In this case, “Sushi” is a cat – whose life is full of adventure. This children’s show by Pedro José Sánchez is an enlivening afternoon excursion.
“El Viaje de Sushi” continues through Sept. 21 at the Juan Enrique Acuña Theater, Barrio Escalante. Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: RedCultura.
Theater: “The Collection”
Did Stella and Bill hook up on their business trip? The National Company presents this classic 1961 play by Harold Pinter, here in Spanish translation.
“The Collection” will be performed Aug. 28 – Sept. 21 at Teatro 1887, CENAC building, San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun, 7 p.m. ₡4,000 ($8). Info: RedCultura.
“House and Street” Festival
Fourteen artists present multimedia works at this creative cooperative in Barrio Escalante.
“Casa y Calle” continues through Sept. 20 at Casa Batsú, Barrio Escalante. Free. Info: Batsú website.
Art: “Dirty Game”
Costa Rican artist José Miguel Rojas González explores the nature of winning and losing in this subversive series. Read our review here.
“Juego Sucio” continues through Oct. 11 at the Central Bank Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, San José. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museos Banco Central website.
Theater: “Amadeus”
Peter Schaffer’s masterpiece about the life of Mozart (and his bitter rival, Salieri) receives an epic production at Teatro Espressivo.
“Amadeus” plays Aug. 7 – Oct. 12 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Enamoráte de tu ciudad
Yes, you can go gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-round celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check out the event site for news on 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 and Facebook page.
