Discover the best things to see and do in Puerto Rico this summer.
Performing Arts
Festival Interamericano de las Artes
Various dates in August; Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center
One of the island’s favorite music festivals, Festival Interamericano de las Artes spans several weeks and includes two concerts by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra in addition to theater and other musical performances. The sounds of the Americas and the Caribbean come to life through jazz, classical and traditional music in this beloved celebration of national pride. (787-918-1107; sinfonicapr.gobierno.pr)
“The Threepenny Opera”
Sept. 4-14; Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center
Presented by the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, this 1920s-era musical by playwright Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill—adapted from an 18th-century English ballad opera, “John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera”—offers a socialist critique of the capitalist world with the sounds of Berlin dance bands and cabaret. The show inspired hit musicals such as “Cabaret,” “Chicago” and “Urinetown.” (787-918-1107; sinfonicapr.gobierno.pr)
“Don Pasquale”
Sept. 18-20; Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center
The Puerto Rico Opera presents this Italian comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti, first performed in 1843. The story revolves around the aging Don Pasquale, who seeks to marry and produce an heir to prevent his rebellious nephew, Ernesto, from inheriting his riches. Meanwhile, Ernesto is in love with Norina, who undertakes an elaborate prank to get the inheritance back. (787-918-1107; sinfonicapr.gobierno.pr)
Exhibitions
“Folk Art of the Americas”
Ongoing; Museum of the Americas
This permanent exhibit is both educational and entertaining, with folk art from across the Americas divided into categories such as housing, tools, clothing, religion and magic, music and recreation. Compared side by side, it is easy to see the common influences of North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. This exhibit is sponsored by the Angel Ramos Foundation, which aims to improve quality of life for Puerto Ricans by awarding grants to nonprofits and supporting early childhood education. (787-724-5052; museolasamericas.org)
“Decay and Revolution: Art in Vienna, 1890-1910”
Through July 28; Museum of Art of Ponce
For the first time in Puerto Rico’s history, nearly 40 works by internationally renowned Austrian artists are showcased at the Museum of Art of Ponce. Arriving in Puerto Rico via the Belvedere gallery in Vienna, the exhibit includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Franz Metzner, Rudolf Jettmar and Koloman Moser. These pieces are integrated with works of similar style or theme from the museum’s own collection. (787-840-1510; museoarteponce.org)
“Paradise and Words: A Dialogue Between Art and Literature in Puerto Rico”
Through Sept. 15; Ponce Museum
Exploring the historical journey of Puerto Rican art from the 1700s to present day, “Paradise and Words” combines more than 250 works by Puerto Rico’s most historically influential artists with a collection of Puerto Rican literature. The exhibit includes paintings by José Campeche, Francisco Oller and Miguel Pou; photographs by Jack Delano; and prints by Lorenzo Homar, Antonio Martorell and others. (787-840-1510; museoarteponce.org)
“Interconnections: Curatorial Readings of the Permanent Collection”
Through Dec. 31, 2015; Museum of Art of Puerto Rico
More than 200 works by 180 Puerto Rican artists is shown in 21 rooms, highlighting the museum’s major acquisitions and other pieces never seen by the public. Paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, new media and more are grouped by themes such as landscapes, portraiture, history and utopia. The featured artists were selected because their work has been significant in the development of visual arts in the country. (787-977-6277; mapr.org)
Events and Activities
Life Inside the Fortification
Third Sunday of the month; Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
This uniquely hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn about the history of El Morro and the soldiers who resided there in the 18th century. Live history demonstrators don period attire and lead guests through the activities one might have encountered as a soldier in San Juan, including work, practice drills, recreation and even a powder firing demonstration. Tours, available in both English and Spanish, are offered throughout the day. (787-729-6960; nps.gov/saju)
Big Band Night
Ongoing; Yerba Buena Restaurant
Monday nights at popular Yerba Buena Restaurant in Condado are a can’t-miss affair. Old-fashioned big bands take the stage to entertain diners with both traditional and Puerto Rican jazz tunes. Enjoy the performance at the restaurant’s bar while sipping on a mojito—the house specialty—or relax in the lounge area with Cuban delicacies, like white yam fritters or Havana turnovers. (787-721-5700; yerbabuenapr.com)
Aibonito Flower Festival
June 27 – July 6; Aibonito
The annual Aibonito Flower Festival is a beautiful celebration of nature in the lovely mountain town of Aibonito. This year’s celebration marks the 46th anniversary of the hugely popular event, which is the largest plant show and sale on the island. Centered around rows of vendors selling nearly every kind of flower and plant imaginable, the festival also features live local music, a plethora of food vendors and even games and rides for children. Visitors coming from outside of Puerto Rico are advised to check which plant species they are allowed to bring back to the mainland before they pick out lovely flora options for their homes. (787-824-7741; sanabriaevents.com)
Coffee and Chocolate Expo
Sept. 20-21; Puerto Rico
Convention Center
Celebrating its fifth year, the Coffee and Chocolate Expo brings together families, foodies and exhibitors for the largest gathering of coffee and chocolate lovers in the Caribbean. The two-day event features plenty to keep attendees busy all weekend, including tastings, exhibits, family-friendly entertainment and informative presentations. Whether visitors come with a taste for cocoa or caffeine, they are bound to have a deliciously enjoyable experience. (787-568-7646; coffeeandchocolateexpo.com)
