Costa Rica Events and Activities 2026

Jan 15-26

There's concerts, food stalls, amusement rides, bull riding events, and much more. This is particularly good if you have children or friends to come with.

• Type: Festival
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: San Ramón, Alajuela
• Best places to stay: Arenal/La Fortuna area
• More info: https://fiestaspalmares.org/

Jan 19-24

Established in 1965, this tournament brings the best junior tennis players from all over the world. It is part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Tournament Circuit.

• Type: Sports
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Costa Rica Country Club
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: https://www.copadelcafe.com/

Feb 19-21

This women-only championship brings the most competitive teams of anglers all over the world to go after the most prized billfish in the Pacific. 

• Type: Sports
• Ideal for: Fishing Enthusiasts
• Location: Marina Pez Vela
• Best places to stay: Quepos and Manuel Antonio
• More info: https://marinapezvela.com/events/pescadora-billfish-championship-2026/

Feb 21

With a low-key and laid-back vibe, this festival allows you to enjoy some true blues in Costa Rica.

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Club Campestre Griego
• Best places to stay: Alajuela or San José
• More info: https://costaricablues.com/

Feb 23-Mar 2

One of the largest music festivals in the country, Envision is also for those who want to focus and wellness and socialization.

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Above 18+
• Location: Near Playa Hermosa
• Best places to stay: Uvita or Dominical
• More info: https://www.envisionfestival.com/

Feb 25-28

If you're an angler and want to test yourself, this is a great opportunity in one of the best marinas in the country.

• Type: Sports
• Location: Los Sueños Marina
• Best places to stay: Los Sueños Resort or Jacó
• Ideal for: Fishing enthusiasts
• More info: https://lossuenostriplecrown.com/

Feb 28

Enjoy the world cup event with the best in their field demonstrating their top freestyle tricks.

• Type: Sports
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: National Stadium, San José
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: https://www.eticket.cr/masinformacion.aspx?idevento=8990

Date TBD

Every year, the Puntarenas Carnival fills the streets with dancing, music, and good vibes.

• Type: Festival
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Puntarenas Downtown
• Best places to stay: Jacó
• More info: Free

Mar 14 and 21

One of the largest music festivals in Central America, the offerings include international stars and many venues.

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Above 18+
• Location: Centro de Eventos Pedregal, Heredia
• Best places to stay: San José or Heredia
• More info: https://www.eticket.cr/eventos.aspx?idartista=1298

Mar 18

Catch Tyler the Creator in his tour across Latin America.

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Parque Viva, Alajuela
• Best places to stay: San José or Alajuela
• More info: https://www.eticket.cr/eventos.aspx?idartista=1270

Mar 18-21

The final round of this tournament, where the best prove what they're made of.

• Type: Sports
• Ideal for: Fishing Enthusiasts
• Location: Los Sueños Marina
• Best places to stay: Los Sueños Resort or Jacó
• More info: https://lossuenostriplecrown.com/

Mar 25

The Killers return to Costa Rica for the second time in late March! Enjoy their classic and new material in a night marked by altrock.

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Parque Viva, Alajuela
• Best places to stay: Alajuela or San José
• More info: https://www.eticket.cr/masinformacion.aspx?idevento=9127

Mar 26-28

Costa Rica celebrates fashion week again with an even that gathers people from different nationalities to showcase what an ecological approach to fashion looks like.

• Type: Art
• Ideal for: Fashion Enthusiasts
• Location: Antigua Aduana
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: Free

Throughout the month

March is the peak season to spot Quetzals in Costa Rica. It's when their reproductive period usually starts in earnest and they're very active and easy to spot.

• Type: Wildlife
• Ideal for: Nature Lovers
• Location: Monteverde and Cerro Chirripó
• Best places to stay: San Gerardo or Monteverde
• More info: Free, guided tours available.

Mar 29- Apr 5

Catholicism is widely practiced in Costa Rica, and every year during the most important celebration of the year there are activities on the streets. You can learn more about them here.

• Type: Cultural
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Most nearby churches
• More info: Free

Apr 19-23

One of the biggest billfish events in the world, the cream of the sportfishing scene gathers here.

• Type: Sports
• Ideal for: Fishing Enthusiasts
• Location: Marina Pez Vela
• Best places to stay: Quepos and Manuel Antonio
• More info: https://www.marlinmag.com/tournaments/offshore-world-championship/

April 26

If you want a day of professional dancers dazzling the stage, this is a great opportunity.

• Type: Art
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: National Museum
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: https://agenda.mcj.go.cr/evento/festival-internacional-de-danza

May 30

Ed Sheeran is in Costa Rica as part of his Loop Tour. Do not miss it!

• Type: Music
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: National Stadium, San José
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: https://www.eticket.cr/masinformacion.aspx?idevento=9139

Date TBD

Every year, the International Film Festival provides a space for upcoming filmmakers and indie projects to be appreciated.

• Type: Art
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Different cinemas across the country
• More info: http://www.costaricacinefest.go.cr/

June 28

Join the parade and celebrate diversity in an event full of camaraderie, music, and good vibes. 

• Type: Cultural
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Paseo Colón, San José
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: https://www.instagram.com/pride.cr/

Throughout the month

Peak months for whale watching include July, August, September, and October. It's when the whales migrate for reproduction. Spot whales, their calves, and dolphins and turtles!

• Type: Wildlife
• Ideal for: Nature Lovers
• Location: Central and South Pacific coast
• Best places to stay: Uvita and Manuel Antonio
• More info: Free. Guided tours available.

Aug 2

The Virgin of Angels is the official patron saint of Costa Rica. For weeks before the official celebration, pilgrims travel from all over the country (and beyond) to pay their respects at the cathedral. You'll spot them days prior and if you want to experience the full force of the celebration, you can head to Cartago on the day.

• Type: Cultural
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Virgin of Angels Cathedral, Cartago
• Best places to stay: San José
• More info: Free

Sept 15

Celebrations on Independence Day include parades, marching bands, dancing, and children's handcrafts.

• Type: Cultural
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: All around the country
• More info: Free

Throughout the month

September is great to spot sea turtles on both coastiles! There are nesting sites on the Pacific and the Caribbean where these glorious animals arrive every year. If you love animals, it's a life-changing experience!

• Type: Wildlife
• Ideal for: Nature Lovers
• Location: Pacific and Caribbean coastlines
• Best places to stay: Nosara and Tortuguero
• More info: Guided tours available.

Date TBD

This parade showcases handmade parade floats made to be a spectacle of lights and design. The event takes place at night, and it's particularly fun with kids. Marching bands also come in the mix. You can watch on TV but if you want to attend you can buy tickets for seats or bring your own lawnchairs to the street.

• Type: Cultural
• Ideal for: Everyone
• Location: Parade starts in La Sabana Park
• Best places to stay: San José