Aero Fest
A fleet of rotorcraft will hover around La Sabana this weekend, along with pilots, parachuters, and helicopter enthusiasts. Organized by Volar Helicopters, Aero Fest is the biggest chopper event of the year, demonstrating the kinds of vertical takeoffs and aerobatics that most people don’t get to see. The setting is fitting: San José’s favorite urban park used to be an airport.
Aero Fest takes place Oct. 12 in La Sabana, San José. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Info: Volar Helicopters Facebook page.
Festival: N-Raíz-Arte
Music, food, fine arts, crafts, and good vibes infuse downtown Limón during this free arts festival. Visit the Caribbean’s principal port city for a dose of dance and calypso.
Festival takes place Oct. 10-12 in Vargas Park, downtown Limón. Free. Info: RedCultura.
Oktoberfest
Thousands converge on the Pedregal Event Center to savor craft beer, listen to live music, and scarf down schnitzel.
Oktoberfest takes place Oct. 11 at Pedregal Event Center, Belén. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. ₡9,000-15,000 ($18-30). Info: Event Facebook page.
Film: Shnit Short Film Festival
This innovative film festival started in Switzerland and now screens around the world. The international oeuvre is invigorating, but Friday is dedicated entirely to Costa Rican filmmakers.
The Shnit Short Film Festival continues through Oct. 12 at Cine Magaly, Barrio California. ₡3,000 ($6) per film, or ₡15,000 ($30) for a festival pass. Info and schedule: DeleFOCO website.
Theater: “The Cross”
Following a violent shooting in La Cruz de Alajuelita, the community reacts in Fernando Rodríguez’s awarding-winning new play.
“La Cruz” performs through Nov. 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater website.
Art: “A Chronicle of Interventions”
Learn about U.S. incursions in Central America, thanks to this provocative group show co-produced with London’s revered Tate Gallery.
“Una Crónica de Intervenciones” displays at TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.
Theater: National Folklore Festival
Catch theatrical renditions of Costa Rican folk stories, both traditional and popular, at the Melico Salazar Theater.
“Festival Folklorico Nacional” performs Oct. 11 & 12 at the Melico Salazar Theater, downtown San José. 7 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: Melico Salazar website.
Music: Symphony Orchestra Concert for the President and First Lady
It’s good to be the president: You govern a country, you can breeze through trafffic in a motorcade, and the National Symphony Orchestra performs a special concert for you and your spouse.
Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional Concierto Especial Dedicado a la Presidencia y la Primera Dama performs Oct. 10 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 8 p.m. ₡10,000 ($20). Info: National Theater website.
Theater: “Verdi’s Macbeth”
Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy performs live in San José, thanks to video “beamed” by satellite. Catch the Metropolitan Opera’s performance, hosted by the U.S.-Costa Rican Cultural Center.
Live screening of “Macbeth, de Verdi” takes place Oct. 11 at the Eugene O’Neill Theater, Los Yoses. 11 a.m. ₡10,000-20,000 ($20-40). Info: Centro Cultural website.
Art: “Creative Portals”
The students of St. Clare High School flaunt their creative skills at the National Gallery, an exhibit that showcases more than 60 artists.
“Portales Creativos” continues through Oct. 25 at the National Gallery, Former Penitentiary, 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: “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.
Theater: “Suegras Bárbaras”
One man and four neurotic women: You do the math. Catch this Spanish-language farce, which roughly translates as “Barbaric Mothers-in-Law,” in San Juan de Tibás.
“Suegras Bárbaras” plays at Teatro de la Luna, San Juan de Tibás. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m. Info: Teatro de la Luna Facebook page.
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.
