August is one of the busiest months of the year in Costa Rica. With the green season at its peak and mid-year school holidays recently over, the month combines major international concerts, educational fairs, important civic celebrations, and sporting events for all interests. Here is everything happening this month.
July 23 – August 2 — La Romería 2026: The Pilgrimage to the Virgin of the Angels | Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Cartago
The most important event of the month — and especially of 2026.
Official activities begin on July 23 and continue until August 3, marking the centennial of the pontifical coronation of the Virgin of the Angels. This makes the 2026 edition a historic celebration in the centuries-old tradition of La Romería.
La Romería is Costa Rica’s largest pilgrimage and one of the biggest religious gatherings in Central America. Around two million people are estimated to participate every year. The pilgrimage consists of walking from each person’s place of residence to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago.
For people coming from San José, the journey represents just over 20 kilometers through mountainous terrain, crossing the Ochomogo Pass. Those arriving from Guanacaste, Coto Brus, or the Caribbean region may walk hundreds of kilometers, beginning their journey several days in advance.
The Holy Eucharist on the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Angels, presided over by Monsignor Mario Enrique Quirós, Bishop of Cartago, will take place on August 2 at 9:00 a.m. On August 3 at 9:00 a.m., the traditional procession known as “La Pasada” will take place, during which the image of the Virgin is transferred to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Along the route, pilgrims find Red Cross assistance stations providing water, food, and first aid. It is also a major social event: entire families, groups of friends, seniors, and young people walking together at night, many carrying candles or flashlights, in one of Costa Rica’s most authentic expressions of collective identity.
August 1–2 — Wodstock Costa Rica 2026 | Parque Viva, La Guácima (Alajuela)
The month begins with one of the most original events on the music calendar: Wodstock Costa Rica 2026, a live music festival that transforms Parque Viva into a stage inspired by the legendary festivals of the 1960s.
Perfect for those who enjoy live music, outdoor festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Wodstock Run takes place on August 1 at 6:00 a.m. as the opening sporting activity, while the music festival begins at 7:00 a.m. on both days.
August 5–6 — ExpoU 2026 | Centro de Eventos Pedregal, La Guácima (Alajuela)
Costa Rica’s most important educational information fair returns for its 2026 edition.
ExpoU brings together public and private universities, technical institutes, and embassies in one location, providing high school seniors and their families with all the information needed to make decisions about higher education: programs, costs, campuses, scholarships, and job market opportunities.
Free admission. Parking: ₡4,000.
August 8 — Blessd | Parque Viva, La Guácima (Alajuela)
One of the leading figures in today’s trap and reggaeton scene arrives in Costa Rica.
Colombian artist Blessd will perform on Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater at Parque Viva.
Event for ages 15 and over.
August 9 — BAC Open Water Circuit Arenal | Arenal Reservoir, Tilarán (Guanacaste)
For endurance sports enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular landscapes, the BAC Open Water Circuit brings the competition to the Arenal Reservoir.
Starting at 5:00 a.m., participants will combine physical effort with one of Costa Rica’s most impressive natural settings: the country’s largest artificial lake, with the Arenal Volcano as a backdrop.
August 9 — Gran Fondo Guanacaste 2026 | Liberia, Guanacaste
Cyclists will gather in Liberia for the Gran Fondo Guanacaste, one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic road cycling events.
The race starts from the Liberia Livestock Farmers Association at 5:30 a.m., offering a perfect opportunity to discover Guanacaste’s roads and landscapes on two wheels.
August 14 — Ricardo Arjona – Seco Tour | National Stadium, San José
One of the most anticipated nights of the year.
Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona arrives at the National Stadium with his Seco Tour, a production featuring a high-level stage show and a repertoire covering his entire career.
Arjona is one of the artists who attracts the largest audiences in Costa Rica, and this concert is expected to sell out well in advance.
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
August 14 — Sonora Santanera: 70th Anniversary | Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, San José
On the same night, the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar welcomes a very different type of musical experience.
The legendary Mexican tropical orchestra Sonora Santanera celebrates 70 years of history with a concert at 7:30 p.m.
A must-see event for lovers of mambo, danzón, and classic tropical music.
August 18 — Two Legends: Romeo Santos and Prince Royce | National Stadium, San José
On Tuesday, August 18, the National Stadium will host a double performance guaranteed to excite fans of bachata and Latin R&B.
Romeo Santos and Prince Royce will share the stage for what promises to be one of the most dance-filled nights of the year.
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
August 19 — Zhamira: Curita para el Corazón Tour | CIC ANDE, Belén (Heredia)
Costa Rican singer Zhamira presents her tour with an evening dedicated to local music at 7:00 p.m. at CIC ANDE in Belén.
A chance to support national talent and enjoy an artist building a strong career within Costa Rican pop music.
August 22 — Sonic the Movie Live | National Auditorium, San José
A different experience for children and families: a screening of Sonic the Hedgehog accompanied by live music starting at 11:00 a.m. at the National Auditorium.
A format combining cinema and live performance in real time, increasingly popular around the world.
July 31 – August 2 — Expo Estudiante | National Stadium, San José
Another major educational fair closes the month.
Expo Estudiante at the National Stadium brings together universities, technical institutes, and companies to guide students as they transition toward university life and the job market.
Doors open at 10:00 a.m. on both days.
August 29 — Greeicy: Candela World Tour | Centro de Eventos Pedregal, Belén
Colombian singer Greeicy closes August with her Candela World Tour at Centro de Eventos Pedregal at 7:00 p.m.
A Latin pop and R&B show featuring one of the strongest female artists in today’s Latin American music scene.
August 29–30 — MTB White City Epic 2026 | Liberia, Guanacaste
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Liberia becomes the MTB capital with White City Epic 2026.
The competition includes a two-stage race in individual and team formats, with starts from 6:00 a.m. A one-day Adventure category will also take place on August 30.
One of the most important mountain biking events in Costa Rica.
August 30 — Yandel Sinfónico | Parque Viva, La Guácima (Alajuela)
The month’s musical finale comes from Yandel with a unique proposal: a symphonic version of his greatest reggaeton hits at Parque Viva at 7:00 p.m.
For ages 12 and over.
A format that has attracted new audiences in recent years, including people who may not usually attend a traditional reggaeton concert.
