Lionfish tournament, peach-palm fair, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Dance: “Four-Speed Gearbox”

The National Dance Company presents three different works during this weekend-long performance.

“Caja de Cuatro Cambios” performs Sept. 26-28 at the Dance Theater, CENAC, downtown San José. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.  ₡2,000-4,000 ($4-8). Info: Company Facebook page.

Native to Indo-Pacific waters, lionfish lack natural predators in the Costa Rican Atlantic. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

Lionfish Grand Fishing Tournament

Once considered an invasive pest, the lionfish is gaining popularity among Caribbean fishermen. Anglers converge on Puerto Viejo this weekend in search of the elaborately finned creature.

El Grand Torneo takes place Sept. 27 on Playa Manzanillo, Limón Province. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Spectators free. Info: Anglers Association of Southern Caribbean website.

Music: Felix Pastorius and The Social Experiment

The son of legendary musician Jaco Pastorius shows his skills on the bass at this special Jazz Café concert.

Felix Pastorius and The Social Experiment perform Sept. 26 at Jazz Café, Escazú. Fri. & Sat., 9 p.m. ₡20,000 ($40). Info: Jazz Café website.

Beer: Perro Vida First Anniversary Party

The rapidly expanding craft brewery hosts a beach party to celebrate its first year in business.

The Perro Vida anniversary party takes place Sept. 27 at Hotel Pelicano, Playa Esterillos Este, Puntarenas Province. 12-6 p.m. Free. Info: Hotel Pelicano website.

National Peach-Palm Fair

Organizers expect 20,000 people to descend on the tiny town of Tucurrique to cook, display, and buy different kinds of pejibaye, or “peach palm.” Learn more about the adorable fruit at this regional agricultural fair.

La Feria del Pejibaye takes place Sept. 26 – Oct. 6 in Tucurrique, Cartago Province. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Info: Event Facebook page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33u1gyrsozM

Theater: “My Auntie Panchita in Black Light”

Every child in Costa Rica reads the charming stories of Tía Panchita, penned by Carmen Lyra. See this inventive black-light adaptation, produced by Teatro Pluie for Teatro Espressivo’s Children’s Theater Festival.

“Mi Tía Panchita en Luz Negra” plays Sept. 28 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: Teatro Espressivo website.

Courtesy GAM Cultural

Theater: “Fugitives of Absence”

The University of Costa Rica presents this comedic character study about a man, a woman, and their journey through memory. Written by Argentine-born Jorge Díaz Gutiérrez.

“Fugitivos de la Ausencia” continues through Sept. 28 at the University Theater, UCR Campus, San Pedro. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡3,000-4,000 ($6-8). Info: University of Costa Rica website.

International Guitar Festival

The wait is over: The 20th International 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.

Courtesy ElectroPranaYama

ElectroPranaYama + Invited Musicians

Music, dancers, acrobats: The movement and multimedia artists of ElectroPranaYama team up with musical outfits Zur Do and Funkadelic Groove Machine and the circus performers La Carpa CR Circo.

ElectroPranaYama + Musicos Invitados performs Sept. 29 at Jazz Café, Escazú. 9 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: Jazz Café 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.

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.

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.