Tucson, Arizona Gem and Mineral Shows - What You Need to Know

Reducing the Confusion

You'll have a gem of a time at the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows if you read our tips and hints first. Newcomers to the Tucson Gem shows will have a confusing time. There are shows all over the area... in tents, in hotel rooms and in convention centers. Some shows start early in the season and some start much later. Some open at 9am and some at 10am. Some are open to certified buyers only and some are open to the public.

No matter how confusing this sounds, heading to Tucson for the annual gathering of gem, mineral and fossil exhibitors from all around the world, is a fantastic experience.

Here are the basics:

• The shows run for two weeks, usually the end of January through the first two weekends in February.
• The most accessible and informational show is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ which is held at Tucson Convention Center Exhibition Hall and the Arena. This is a public show. It is important to know that this show does not necessarily open at the beginning of the season. The acclaimed Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ is held every year on the second full weekend of February. It has set the standard for gem and mineral shows around the world, and is now the largest gem and mineral show in the United States. The Show is open to the public and presents retail dealers only. Proceeds from the show remain in the Tucson economy and are used to support mineral knowledge and appreciation. For more information go to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society website.
• A great place to find out about the other shows in the area is the Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau website. You can search for the type of show you want to attend (jewelry, fossils, minerals, etc) and find out when the shows open and whether or not they are restricted to wholesale buyers. The website includes information on other Tucson attractions.
• It is not easy to find a motel room during these two weeks. If you don't plan ahead, consider staying outside the area and traveling in to Tucson for several days to visit the shows.
• There are free shuttles that will take you from show to show. There are several routes so it is important to find out which route your chosen show is on. Park at one of the shows offering free parking and take the shuttle to the others. Free GemRide Shuttle Information Website