5 things to do at the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase that aren't shopping
Whether youβre a professional jewelry artist, fossil collector, a gemstone enthusiast or an avid people watcher, the gem show has got it all. By Gloria Knott, Special to the Arizona Daily Star
One thing to do other than shop
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The 12th Annual Gem & Jam Festival is at the Pima County Fairgrounds. The four-day festival features dozens of musicians and performers across four stages. Listen to music, attend workshops, and walk through art galleries. The festival IS Jan. 25-28. Ticket prices vary.
A second thing to do other than shop
UpdatedAttend the Sonoran Glass Flame Off on Feb. 2 at the Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th Street. Eighteen glass artists compete to make a glass masterpiece. The event includes raffles and auctions, food trucks, and Thunder Canyon Brewery Beer. Tickets start at $20.
A third thing to do other than shop
UpdatedThe Tucson Gem & Mineral Show offers free lectures and seminars Feb. 8-10. Experts will talk about everything from mineral photography to the history of gem stones.
A fourth thing to do other than shop
UpdatedTake a class. Many bead shows, including the JOGS show at the Expo Center and the To Bead True Blue: Colors of the Stone show at Casino Del Sol offers jewelry-making classes. Prices vary.
A fifth thing to do other than shop
UpdatedSupport non-profit organizations. At the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, non-profit mineral and earth science organizations fill their own booths and meet with the public.
If you go
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Melis Cohen looks over the strands of crystals sheβs buying from the booth run by Queenly Global Trading, Richardson, Texas, during the JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show at the Tucson Expo Center in Tucson, Ariz. The JOGS show, featuring about 200 exhibitors, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday.
Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Showcase
When: Saturday, Jan. 27βSunday, Feb. 11. Individual shows have different dates and times.
Where: All over Tucson. Visit xpopress.com or visittucson.org for more details.
Et Cetera: Downloadable guide at visittucson.org/gem-show-app
2018 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase map
UpdatedClick the icons for more information. Click the window icon on the upper right of the map for a larger version.
