Beach races, ballet, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Xterra Costa Rica

One of the most hotly anticipated athletic events of the year, Xterra Costa Rica includes both a scenic trail race and epic triathlon. Both events take place along Guanacaste’s spectacular coastline, in and around the sun-bleached crescent of Playa Conchal.

XTerra takes place March 28 & 29 in Playa Conchal, Guanacaste. Info: Official website.

Middle Eastern Dance and Music Workshop

Learn the art of belly dancing and/or Arab percussion in this one-of-a-kind workshop.

Workshop takes place March 28 & 29 at Academia Ámar, Paseo Colón. 10 a.m. $50-180. Info: Ámar Facebook page.

Theater: “The Anonymous”

Benny Herrera directs this provocative ensemble work about sexuality and alienation, produced by Círculo Onírico.

“Los Anónimos” performs March 27-29 at Casa Teatro, Barrio Amón. Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 3,500 ($7). Info: Company Facebook page.

Music: Pablo Senabria and Cocoa Red

The soloist-singer-songwriter performs his relationship-driven oeuvre in Tres Rios, sharing the stage with Cocoa Red.

Concert takes place at Casa de la Cultura, Tres Rios. 9 p.m. 3,000 ($6).

Dance: 30th Anniversary of Estudio Danza Libre

The acclaimed dance studio presents a ballet recital at the Melico Salazar Theater. Celebrate 30 years of dance with the studio’s students.

Recital takes place March 27-28 at Melico Salazar Theater, downtown San José. Fri.-Sun., 7 p.m. 1,000-8,000 ($2-16).

Theater: “The Kings’ Dream”

A collaborative production between Costa Rican and Chilean artists, “El Sueño de unos Reyes” explores the concepts of nationhood and identity through movement and multimedia.

“El Sueño de unos Reyes” performs March 27 at Antigua Aduana, Aranjuez, San José. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m. ₡2,500-5,000 ($5-10). Info: RedCultura.

Art: “Superheroes and their Fictional Cities”

If you were always as intrigued by Metropolis and Central City as you were by Superman and The Flash, this new exhibit by Carlos Llobet Montealegre is sure to fascinate.

“Superhéroes y Sus Ficciones Urbanas” displays through May 16 at TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.

Theater: “La Bruta Espera”

Three short, darkish comedies by Argentinean dramatist Julio Chávez are performed at the Vargas Calvo black box theater, courtesy of the National Theater. The talented actresses Tatiana y María Chaves won a national award last year for the performance.

“La Bruta Espera” continues through April 26 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡2,500-5,500. Info: National Theater website.

Art: “Microcosmos”

Experimental paintings by Rolando Faba make their debut at the José Luis López Escarré Gallery.

“Microcosmos” continues through May 8 at The National Theater, downtown San José. Free. Info: National Theater website.

Theater: “Blood Wedding”

The classic Lorca tragedy plays at Teatro Espressivo.

“Bodas de Sangre” is performed through March 29 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Fri. & Sat., 6 p.m. ₡7,500-10,000 ($15-20). Info: Teatro Espressivo 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” is on display through April 26 at the Central Bank Museums, downtown San José. Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museum 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.

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: “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.

Anime Exhibit

To celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations with Costa Rica, the Japanese embassy presents an exhibit on Japanese cartoon art at the National Gallery.

“Japan: Kingdom of Characters” continues through March 29 at the National Gallery, former penitentiary, downtown San José. Mon.-Friday, 8 a.m. –4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.