The world's shiniest gems and minerals are returning to Tucson this month when over 35 gem and mineral shows pop up around the city. Vendors from across the globe bring gems, minerals and even fossilsΒ to sell and trade right here in Southern Arizona.Β
The three-week event officially kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 27, to around mid-February, according to Visit Tucson. Many shows begin before the official launch on Jan. 27, so check out Visit Tucsonβs website for a full listing.
Here are five gem shows to check out when theΒ showcase rolls through Tucson.
Kino Gem & Mineral Show
Terry Schurmeier, left, visiting from New Mexico, and Victoria Roberts, visiting from California, look at minerals from Silver Rain Bird in the Kino Gem and Mineral Show at Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, in Tucson, Ariz. on January 29, 2020.
Right off Interstate 10 in the Kino Sports Complex, thousands and thousands of precious gems sit beneath large white tents for viewing and purchasing. This show features gemstones, minerals, fossils, beads, turquoise and jewelry. In addition, there will be a food court and a UPS office on-site in case you need to ship out your new gemstone purchase. Whether you stop by for 30 minutes or a few hours, there's plenty to check out at this show.
When:Β Thursday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Hours:Β 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the last day of the event, Sunday, Feb. 11.
Where:Β Kino Sports Complex,Β 2500 E. Ajo Way.
Admission: Free.
Parking: Free.
For more information, visit their website: KinoGemShow.com.Β
22nd Street Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show
Mohamed Choufki moves product as he sets up the display for Compagnie Tafilalte Minerals and Fossils display Currier, long-time proprietor of Jewel Tunnel Imports at 22nd & I-10 during the opening day of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil in Tucson, AZ on February 1, 2019. They are from Morocco.
More than 45,000 attendees are predicted to come to this year's 22nd Street Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show. The show will feature 300 booths, totalingΒ 142,180 square feet full of minerals, gemstones, dinosaur fossils, handicrafts and art. There will also be 16 food and beverage vendors at this year's show. The 22nd Street Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show is one of the more popular shows in Tucson, so plan your visit accordingly!
When:Β Thursday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Where:Β 993 S. Freeway.
Admission: Free.
Parking:Β $10 onsite; $5 offsite next to Waffle House.
For more information, visit their website: 22ndstreet.show/show-details/.Β
Tucson Gem & Mineral Society's Gem and Mineral Show
People wander through the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show on display in the Tucson Convention Center, on Feb. 15, 2020.
For over 50 years, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Societyβs Gem and Mineral Show has annually been the home to some of the most spectacular gems in the world for one special weekend in Tucson. The society uses the show to bring together the public, educators and curators who are all passionate about two things: gems and minerals. The theme of this year's show isΒ βPegmatitesΒ β Crystals Big and Beautiful!β
Fun fact: This show is what started the massive gem showcase we know today!
When:Β Thursday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Hours:Β 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where:Β Tucson Convention Center,Β 260 S. Church Ave.Β
Admission:Β $12 + $1 TCC ticket tax. Children under 14 enter free with a paying adult.
Parking: Check out the TCC's website for a list of parking lots and garages. Prices vary.
For more information, visit their website: tgms.org/show.
Colors of the Stone, To Bead True Blue and Tucson Artisan Workshops
Some of the many beads on display at the Casino Del Sol'sΒ Colors of the Stone, To Bead True Blue and Tucson Artisan Workshops. The event will feature exhibits, galleries and workshops.
These biannual shows held at the Casino Del Sol Resort host over "1,000 artisan exhibits, galleries and workshops," according to their website. Unlike some other gem and mineral shows around the city during this time of year, this show also focuses on beads and other art forms. Some exhibitors include jewel smiths, bead makers, glass blowers, basket weavers and bohemian merchants.
When:Β Saturday, Jan. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 3.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except on Saturday, Feb. 3 when the show is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:Β Casino Del Sol Convention Center,Β 5655 W. Valencia Road.Β
Admission: Free.
Parking: Free.
For more information, visit the event's website:Β colorsofthestone.com/winter.php.
Tucson African Art Village
Baskets for sale at the African Art Village in 2018.
Head to Tucson African Art Village to explore items from artisans from West Africa, including Mali, Ghana and Gambia. "People have contacted me about the show this year, made reservations to come here based on the African Art Village," Tucson African Art Village founder Charlotte Mack told the Arizona Daily StarΒ in 2022.Β
When:Β Saturday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Hours:Β 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Where:Β 221 S. Avenida Del Convento.
Admission: Free.
Parking: Free.
For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
