16 Best Performing Arts Venues in Puerto Rico

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 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 Luis Miguel.

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.

One of several coffee festivals held annually around the island, Jayuya's Fiesta del Café features all the usual activities at these types of events, but is notable for la colada del café, which organizers contend is the largest coffeepot on the island, brewing up to 100 pounds of coffee at once.

Attend a drive-in movie at this locally owned farm and restaurant situated 500 feet above sea level. They have a spacious lot and large screen, along with concessions for purchase. You can purchase tickets online and spend an evening watching classics and new releases alike under the stars. Note, there are also off-road UTV rides available on-site.

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.

With dozens of local bars and restaurants participating, the annual Piña Colada Festival in Old San Juan celebrates the island’s national drink. From fruit flavored piña coladas to desserts inspired by the drink, guests can taste their way around the old town with discounted prices and theme activities.

Get online tickets to a variety of local events, parties, sports games, seasonal activities, improv shows, and more.

If you love all things gastronomy, you'll thoroughly enjoy the Saborea Puerto Rico food festival held every year. This highly anticipated, two-day, culinary extravaganza draws chefs from across the island and abroad. Watch them prepare dishes at the demo kitchen, sample an array of foods at the tasting pavilion, and listen to live music—all while enjoying the unbeatable beachfront setting.

Check for Spanish-language theater productions and concerts at the Teatro La Perla, a neoclassical masterpiece in the center of Ponce.

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.