BMX War Jam
You don’t hear the word “war” very often in Costa Rica, but this is the best kind of conflict: Freestyle cyclists show off their mad skills this weekend, including wheelies, jumps, and whirls. See international notables like Costa Rica’s Kenneth Tencio and France’s Alain Massabova, plus a revue of BMXers-in-training.
BMX War Jam takes place Feb. 22 in the sports center of Nicoya. Free to attend, ₡5,000 ($10) to participate. Info: Flat Matters website.
TEDx PuraVida
The super-hip lecture series returns to Costa Rica for a day of education, enlightenment, and exemplary ancedotes.
TEDx PuraVida takes place Feb. 26 at the National Auditorium, Children’s Museum, San José. 8 a.m. onward. $150. Info: TEDx PuraVida website.
Envision Festival
The massive concert, art show, yoga retreat, and spiritual haven returns to Playa Uvita for a long weekend of love and enlightenment.
Envision takes place Feb. 21 – March 1 in Playa Uvita, Puntarenas province. $80 (Sunday only) to $300. Info: Envision Festival website.
Music: Amarillo Cian y Magenta
Just try not to dance during the Latin Jazz sessions by Amarillo Cian y Magenta (Yellow, Cyan and Magenta) at Mundoloco.
Concert takes place Feb. 21 at Mundoloco El Chante, San Pedro. 9:30 p.m. ₡3,000 ($6). Info: Mundoloco Facebook page.
Music: “Loud Sessions”
Loud, rhythmic, intense – Science of Sensations, Abya Laya, and Mimayato y Apolo bring their diverse progressive rock sounds to Jazz Café.
Concert takes place Feb. 25 at Jazz Café San Pedro. 7 p.m. ₡4,000-5,000 ($8-10). Info: Jazz Café website.
Art: Painting and Photography in San Ramón
Catch two different exhibits this Saturday in San Ramón: “Transformación,” a series of paintings by artist Jorge Luis Capezas and “Liquors Were Your Origin, Culture is Your Destiny,” a collection of antique photos from the
Opening Feb. 21, 4 p.m. Both exhibits will be displayed through March 21 at the José Figueres Cultural Center, San Ramón, Alajuela. Info: Cultural Center website.
Theater: “Journey to Xibalbá”
Costa Rica’s most inventive black-light theater troupe presents its adaptation of a mythic Mayan story.
“Viaje al Xibalbá” will be performed Feb. 20-22 at the Teatro de la Danza, San José. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡2,500-5,000. Info: RedCultura.
Film: “By the Feathers”
Catch this surreal Costa Rican comedy about one man, one bird, and the strange relationships that evolve in the campo. This outdoor screening takes place in beautiful Liberty Park.
“Por las Plumas” screens Feb. 21 in Parque La Libertad, Desamparados. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Park website.
Film: “Festival Under the Stars”
This outdoor film festival celebrates two Costa Rican films, including the site-specific drama, “Puerto Padre.” It’s the perfect excuse to spend some time in Costa Rica’s biggest Pacific port.
Film festival takes place Feb. 21 & 22 in Puntarenas, in front of the main dock. Sat. & Sun., 7 p.m. Free. Info: Festival website.
Art: Albrecht Dürer, Renaissance Genius
Classical German printer Albrecht Dürer receives a stunning retrospective at the Central Bank Museums.
“Alberto Durero: Genio del Renacimiento” displays through April 26 at the Central Bank Museums, downtown San José. Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museum website.
Theater: “I’m Not Going to Carry This Corpse”
Teatro Arlequín presents a deadly new comedy of errors, written by Luis Daell Barth.
“Este Muerto no lo Cargo Yo” continues through March 22 at Teatro Arlequín, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: Theater Facebook page.
Art: “Ricardo Ávila: Urban Observer”
See city life in a whole new way through Ricardo Ávila’s unique landscapes.
“Ricardo Ávila: Observador Urbano” continues through March 29 at the Museum of Costa Rican Art, La Sabana. Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Info: Museum website.