Tips for locals at the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase |

While people come from all over the world to buy diamonds and antique beads, locals have a unique chance to see it all in town. Navigating the show can be tricky. Here are some tips:

Be comfortable: The shows can be big, so bring water, snacks and comfortable walking shoes.

There’s an app for that: A few apps will be available to navigate the massive showcase.

The Tucson Gem Shows App was started four years ago by Dennis Keys, who noticed the need when he managed gem shows during his retirement. The app includes all the shows, shuttle information and a searchable list. However, show producers pay to advertise to be included in the search.
Visit Tucson is starting an app, which is expected to be available on the App Store and Google Play before the showcase begins.

Learn something new: The main Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, as well as others, will feature lectures. Some venues also may offer jewelry and beading classes so you can learn what to do with what you bought.

Take the kids: While serious business is going on, kids will have fun looking at the sparkly geodes and dinosaur fossils. The main show will have Baby Bob, a fossilized, juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex head. Some other places to see dinosaur bones include the Mineral and Fossil Co-op and the 22nd Street Mineral, Fossil and Gem Show.

Eating: Restaurants will be extremely crowded, so it’s best for locals to avoid the popular downtown eateries for a few weeks. Many of the shows have food sales on site or bring in food trucks.

Can you go? Before heading out to a specific show, make sure that it is open to the public. Some places are for wholesalers only.

Jam on: For the last weekend, residents can take a break from the rock hunting and see some entertainment at 1102 W. Grant Road. The Gem and Jam Festival runs Feb. 12, 13 and 14, featuring electronic and jam musicians, dancers, visual performers and art installations. For more information, go to gemandjamfestival.com