What to Do in San José in October 2026: Iron Maiden and Tango
SAN JOSÉ · Culture
Iron Maiden hits the Estadio Nacional on 8 October, and Piazzolla tango arrives at the Teatro Nacional on 23 October. The month, day by day.
SAN JOSÉ — This guide is for people who live in the capital or are staying for weeks, not for a one-weekend tourist. It lists the things to do in san josé october 2026 that are worth crossing the city for, with dates, venues, ticket platforms and practical notes.
Costa Rica has no public holiday in October 2026, but the concert calendar is unusually strong. The first big night is Thursday 8 October: Iron Maiden at the Estadio Nacional. The middle of the month belongs to Carmina Burana, and the final week closes with tango, flamenco-pop and a large reggae bill in Belén.
8 to 11 October: the big concert week
Thursday 8 October, 7:00 p.m.
Iron Maiden – World Tour 2026
Estadio Nacional, La Sabana, Mata Redonda · From ₡33,500 (about US$73) · eTicket.cr · standing areas 18+
The biggest international stadium show of the month, with The Raven Age as support. Standing areas are 18+, while the seated area admits children from 12 with an adult, so check section rules before buying. The Estadio Nacional is in La Sabana park, which is easy to reach by taxi or rideshare, but traffic will be heavy.
Thursday 8 October, 8:00 p.m.
Ana Torroja
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, central San José · ₡31,800–74,200 (about US$70–163) · eTicket.cr
The former Mecano vocalist brings a major Spanish-language pop show to one of San José’s best-known performance venues. The Melico Salazar is smaller than the Estadio Nacional, so the sound and sightlines are usually good. Buy tickets through eTicket.cr.
Saturday 10 October, 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
La Media Docena en Vivo
Auditorio Colegio Humboldt, Rohrmoser · Sold out · eTicket.cr
Two performances by one of Costa Rica’s best-known comedy groups. Both are sold out, but the Sunday show below is the same production. The venue is in Rohrmoser, a residential area west of the centre.
Sunday 11 October, 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
La Media Docena en Vivo
Auditorio Colegio Humboldt, Rohrmoser · Sold out · eTicket.cr
The same production returns on Sunday with two more shows, and both are sold out as well.
Mid-October: Carmina Burana and family entertainment
Saturday 17 October, 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 18 October, 5:00 p.m.
Carmina Burana
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, central San José · ₡12,000–25,900 (about US$26–57) · eTicket.cr
A contemporary-ballet production by Cicció Studio with a live orchestra, built on Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, one of the most recognisable pieces in the classical repertoire. Book through eTicket.cr.
Sunday 18 October, 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
El Fiestón – Los Pirulos
Auditorio Nacional, San José · Price from the venue · eTicket.cr
Sunday 18 October, 8:00 p.m.
HUMBE – Dueño del Cielo Tour
Parque Viva, La Guácima, Alajuela · ₡40,000–65,000 (about US$88–143) · eTicket.cr
A large contemporary Latin-pop concert at the metropolitan area’s major outdoor concert venue. Parque Viva is outside San José proper, in Alajuela, so plan transport in advance.
Late October: tango, dance and reggae
Friday 23 October, 7:00 p.m.
Astor Piazzolla Quinteto – Le Grand Tango
Teatro Nacional, Catedral, San José · Price from the venue · eTicket.cr
Piazzolla’s tango nuevo arrives in the country’s premier theatre setting. The Teatro Nacional is a landmark in its own right, and the acoustics suit the quintet format. Tickets are on eTicket.cr.
Saturday 24 October, 7:00 p.m.
Carmen vs Carmen – Compañía Ibérica de Danza
Teatro Nacional, Catedral, San José · Price from the venue · eTicket.cr
A dance production reinterpreting the Carmen tradition through a contemporary Spanish company. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants a theatrical evening rather than a concert. Book through eTicket.cr.
Saturday 24 October, 7:00 p.m.
Rosario Flores – Universo de Ley Tour 2026
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, central San José · ₡34,600–108,000 (about US$76–237) · eTicket.cr
Sunday 25 October, 5:00 p.m.
Carmen vs Carmen – Compañía Ibérica de Danza
Teatro Nacional, Catedral, San José · Price from the venue · eTicket.cr
The matinee makes the production accessible without a late-night schedule. It is a good option for anyone who prefers to be home early. Tickets are on eTicket.cr.
Sunday 25 October, 8:00 p.m.
Cultura Profética, Gondwana & Quique Neira
Centro de Eventos Pedregal, Belén, Heredia · ₡38,000–65,000 (about US$83–143) · eTicket.cr · 18+
A major reggae-oriented bill bringing together prominent Latin American acts. The venue is in Belén, Heredia, so it is a cross-city trip for most San José residents. The event is restricted to people aged 18 and over.
Planning your San José in October
October is normally within Costa Rica’s rainy season. In the Central Valley, expect warm days, cooler evenings and frequent afternoon or evening rain. Carry a light waterproof layer and allow extra time for journeys, especially to outdoor venues such as Parque Viva or the Estadio Nacional.
Costa Rica has no nationwide public holiday in October 2026. Monday 12 October, the former Día de las Culturas, has not been a public holiday since 2020, so offices, shops and schools run as normal.
Most events in this guide sell through eTicket.cr; always confirm the amount on the live ticket page before paying. Prices are in colones (₡). At the RT market rate on 6 October 2026, about ₡456 per US$1, ₡10,000 is about US$22.
Getting around at night is easiest by taxi or rideshare. The central venues, such as the Teatro Nacional and the Melico Salazar, are close to restaurants and well-lit streets, but it is still sensible to arrange transport in advance. For venues in Alajuela, Heredia or Belén, plan the return journey before you leave.
For weekly listings, check La Nación’s agenda section and the official pages of the Teatro Nacional and eTicket.cr. Schedules, prices and availability can change, so confirm each event on its official ticket page immediately before attending.
Related reading: Costa Rica hub, Iron Maiden in San José, Rosario Flores in San José, Carmina Burana at the Melico Salazar, Cost of living in San José.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest concert in San José in October 2026?
Iron Maiden at the Estadio Nacional on Thursday 8 October 2026, at 7:00 p.m. according to eTicket.cr, with The Raven Age as support act.
Where can I buy tickets for October events in San José?
Most events in this guide sell through eTicket.cr. Confirm price and availability on the official ticket page before you pay.
What classical or dance events are on in San José in late October 2026?
The Piazzolla quintet plays the Teatro Nacional on 23 October, Carmen vs Carmen dances there on 24 and 25 October, and the Carmina Burana ballet runs at the Melico Salazar on 17 and 18 October.
Is 12 October a public holiday in Costa Rica?
No. Costa Rica dropped the Día de las Culturas holiday in 2020, so Monday 12 October 2026 is a normal working day.
Sources: eticket.cr, eticket.cr, eticket.cr, eticket.cr, eticket.cr, eticket.cr. Further checks: Delfino.cr, La Nación. Retrieved 6 October 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief