10 Best Performing Arts in San Juan, Puerto Rico

With four different theaters, the largest of which holds up to 1,900 people, this is the largest venue of its kind in the Caribbean. There's something going on nearly every night, from pop or jazz concerts to plays, operas, and ballets. It's also the home of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra.

Seating up to 18,000 people, this relatively new arena, affectionately known as "El Choliseo," is the top venue for international musical events on the island. Past performers have included Ozzy Osbourne, Paul McCartney, Shakira, Beyoncé, and, of course, hometown favorites Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny.

Named after the baseball hall-of-famer, this arena has become an important island venue for concerts and fairs in addition to its status as a sports facility. Rap, reggae, salsa, jazz, and pop musicians play to crowds of up to 8,000 people.

Particularly big acts often use this outdoor stadium (adjacent to the Coliseo Roberto Clemente), which hosts baseball games as well as large concerts. There's seating capacity for at least 18,000, more when the infield is used to accommodate fans.

This multifaceted foundation hosts a variety of events, including Latin music and dance performances and classes. Check the schedule online or call ahead.

Under the direction of conductor Maximiano Valdés, this 80-member orchestra performs a 52-week season that includes classical music, operas, ballets, and popular music. The orchestra mainly plays at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré, but they also do outdoor concerts at museums, universities, and landmarks around the island, in addition to educational outreach in island schools. Pablo Casals helped create the group in 1956.

Named for Puerto Rican playwright Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, the island's oldest theater hosts traveling and locally produced theatrical and musical productions. Matinees for families are also held, especially around the holidays.

The Casals Festival has been bringing some of the most important figures in classical music to San Juan ever since Pablo Casals, the famous cellist, conductor, and composer, started the festival in 1957. Casals went on to direct it until his death in 1973, and it has continued to serve as a vibrant stage for top-notch classical performers since then. Most of the shows are held at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré, but performances are also at the University of Puerto Rico and other venues. The festival takes place from mid-February through mid-March. Tickets are available at the box office of the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré.

With ticket counters available in many of the malls on the island, Ticket Center is a convenient way to score seats to most large-scale events.

This outfit makes it fast and easy to purchase tickets online for major concerts, sporting events, and other shows.