Tucson’s annual Gem and Mineral Showcase is an incredible and unique experience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, shopping for your home, or just want to admire museum quality specimens from around the world this collection of shows has something for everyone. Tucson Gem Show consists of dozens of unique shows at different venues all over Tucson. It’s hard to capture the magnitude of it—it takes over the whole city. Gems overflow in tent filled parking lots and even out of motel rooms. There’s also so much more than just gems & minerals. It covers other natural materials like carved wood, baskets and fibers as well. This makes visiting really interesting as you can choose the shows that cater to your own personal interests. But it can also feel a bit overwhelming to figure it all out!
We’re sharing some of our favorite shows below to help make it a little less overwhelming, but first a quick history of the event:
History of the Tucson Gem Show
Many think of the Tucson Gem Show as the biggest and best gem and mineral show in the world. Each year from late January through mid-February Tucson fills with visitors. More than 65,000 people come to attend the 48 different gem show locations throughout the city. It has a rich history with beginnings dating back to 1946 with the establishment of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, a club for hobby mineral collectors. They started the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show back in the 1970’s and it has been steadily growing ever since!
Our favorite shows
If you’re interested in checking out the show just for fun (as we do), there are great options to buy rocks and gems at very reasonable prices. For example, one of our favorite booths at Kino has a trunk full of crystals that are 4 for $10. You’ll also find flats full of curated pieces for $25 or so. As you navigate further into the booth prices and quality increase. We’ve found many to be set up this way which makes it really accessible for everyone.
We’ve gotten so many special pieces for the inn throughout the years at these shows—they’re some of our favorite sources for natural materials to design with. We tend to gravitate towards minerals in their raw forms, carved wood stools, and handwoven baskets (the latter are found at the African Market). Since we know many of the guests who visit JTH Tucson for during the Tucson Gem Show are looking for a more laid-back experience, here are a few of our favorites to check out:
Kino
If you want pop by a show as a part of the fun of a perfect Tucson vacation, we recommend the Kino Show. We really like how casual this show feels, and love seeing natural light shine down on the rocks and gems vs fluorescent lighting. Parking is free and easy, and although there are countless booths to explore it doesn’t feel too crowded as it’s spread over 30 acres. The dealers here offer both wholesale and retail prices so everyone is welcome. There’s a wide mix of things being sold, and some museum quality specimens as well. There is even a food court here if you want to make a day of it!
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
The original Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is still going strong today, this is it’s 68th year! This show is one of the most prestigious. Along with shopping it offers displays of world class treasured specimens, lectures and seminars, and educational opportunities. Visitors should be aware that this is a shorter show. It lasts for just a long weekend, so if you hope to attend you’ll need to pay close attention to timing.
African Art Village
Our other favorite Tucson Gem Show to attend doesn’t feature rocks, gems, minerals, or fossils. The African Art Village is an artisan market that takes place in a large lot beside MSA Annex. It is full of vendors selling beautiful wooden wares, baskets, beads, and mud cloths. Parking is also easy at the Annex. When you are done shopping at market, pop by local favorite Seis Kitchen for tacos (the crispy avocado ones are sooo good!).
If you make it out to visit for the gem show, we wish you the best of luck treasure hunting. And if you’d like a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, come stay with us at JTH Tucson. We’ll have the hot tub ready for you!
