In this exclusive interview, we get an inside look at the journey behind relocating the iconic Ocaso Festival to its new home, Anfiteatro Ocaso in Jacó, Costa Rica. From logistical challenges to maintaining the unique underground essence that Ocaso has always been known for, the festival’s team opens up about the careful decisions that shaped this year’s event. The relocation wasn’t just about finding a new spot—it was about enhancing the festival experience, ensuring better access, improved safety, and offering a setting that felt truly transformative for all attendees.
Nestled just a mile from Jacó Beach, the newly developed Anfiteatro Ocaso offers a fresh perspective for festival-goers. The space, inspired by the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, merges optimal acoustics with natural surroundings, providing an environment designed for sonic immersion and connection. Ocaso’s commitment to its underground roots remains steadfast, balancing a stellar lineup of big-name artists and cherished local talent, all in a setting that truly embodies the spirit of Costa Rica’s vibrant music community.
With the move, Ocaso aims to enhance the entire festival experience—from the music to excursions like ATV rides and crocodile tours, festival-goers are invited to immerse themselves fully in both the natural beauty of Jacó and the powerful beats that have made Ocaso a must-attend event for music lovers worldwide. Read on as we dive into the details, explore what’s new, and hear directly from the organizers about the challenges, excitement, and anticipation that define Ocaso Festival 2025.
1 – Who was involved in the decision to relocate the festival to Anfiteatro Ocaso and why did you choose Anfiteatro Ocaso as the new location for the festival?
After several meetings and discussions with the municipality and local business owners in Jacó, the entire Ocaso team decided it would be in the best interest of all attendees to relocate. Jacó was highly supportive of our move, showing enthusiasm for hosting more live music events and promoting tourism. Since the new mayor’s election in February, the town has undergone a significant transformation, positively impacting both the community and local businesses. Street crime has nearly vanished, making Jacó notably safer than Tamarindo. It’s also more affordable and easier to reach for international visitors and most Costa Ricans.
In partnership with local landowners, we’re building Anfiteatro Ocaso in a prime location just one mile from the beautiful Jacó Beach and the majority of nearby accommodations. This strategic placement eliminates the need for rental cars, as public and private transportation options are plentiful and cost-effective. The venue itself is being constructed on the side of a mountain, surrounded by nature, offering a truly unique setting unlike anything else in the world.
2 – What challenges did you face during the relocation process to Anfiteatro Ocaso?
Relocating a festival always comes with its own set of challenges, but in this case, the transition has been remarkably smooth. From the very beginning, the planning and production teams have fully supported the move, and the local community has embraced it wholeheartedly. As a result, the relocation process has been nearly seamless.
3 – What can attendees expect from the new location’s vibe and atmosphere?
The new event space will be nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver, Colorado, we wanted to maintain the amphitheater design that has always been a hallmark of Ocaso. We spent months working closely with our audio engineer and local landowners to find the perfect location, just five minutes from Jacó Beach, that would offer optimal acoustics. What we discovered exceeded our expectations—a stunning location surrounded by towering trees, creating a fully immersive experience that feels completely detached from the city.
Our goal is to provide attendees with an escape, allowing them to become part of something special. We believe that creating an environment where people can take a break from their daily lives, while enjoying incredible music with friends, truly enhances the overall vibe of the event. We’re committed to offering a safe, comfortable space for people to unwind and make lasting memories.
4 – How do you balance booking big-name headliners while staying true to Ocaso’s underground roots?
We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a talented community of artists here in Costa Rica, and we’re fully committed to providing a platform that helps them showcase their work to an international audience. The Costa Rican people are the heart and soul of Ocaso, and we will always honor that. The underground music scene here is truly exceptional, and we’ve had the privilege of watching it grow tremendously over the past eight years. We’re proud to be part of that evolution while staying true to our underground roots.
What truly sets Ocaso apart is that the majority of our attendees are Costa Ricans—something that distinguishes us from any other international festival in the country. We take great pride in that and are always mindful of our pricing to ensure that our events remain accessible to everyone.
How do the excursions like crocodile tours and ATV rides tie into the overall festival experience?
We wanted to offer visitors the opportunity to experience more of what Costa Rica has to offer beyond just the nightlife in Jacó. We believe it will be incredible for festival-goers to share activities like an ATV tour with like-minded people, creating lasting connections. Imagine spending three hours exploring on an ATV with someone, forging a friendship, and then running into them on the dancefloor later that night—it’s those special moments that build a deeper sense of community within the festival.
6 – What travel advice would you give to attendees flying in from major U.S. cities?
With our move to Jacó, attendees flying from the U.S. now have several convenient options. San José International Airport, just an hour’s drive from Jacó, offers 24/7 flights from almost every corner of the world. Additionally, U.S. visitors can fly into Liberia International Airport, which has daily nonstop flights from various U.S. cities. Though Liberia is about a three-hour drive from Jacó, the scenic route along a brand-new highway makes it a great alternative, depending on your departure city.
7 – Who are you most excited to see make their Costa Rican debut at Ocaso 2025?
We’re incredibly excited that all three of our headlining artists will be performing in Costa Rica for the very first time. On top of that, Kasablanca’s live performance is going to be something truly special—we’re huge fans of their sound. Honestly, it’s hard to choose a favorite among these four acts!
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