The Tucson Gem Show - Ten Things to Know When Planning Your Visit
Welcome to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show! From meteorites to diamonds, geodes to dinosaur bones, the Tucson Gem Show is bound to have something of interest for everyone! An iconic Tucson event, the Gem Show draws over 60,000 travelers to the desert every winter. If you are one of those lucky visitors, you should know a few things to make the most of your trip. From show dates and locations to transportation and accommodation, read on for our top ten things to know for a successful visit to the Tucson gem show.
Know when to go. The Tucson gem show occurs every year in late January and early February. It's a two-week event, with different shows happening at different times and locations throughout the city. The Gem Show is January 30 - February 16, 2025. Alternately. there is also a much smaller Gem Show in the fall.
Know where to go. The Tucson gem show takes place at dozens of locations throughout the city, including the Tucson Convention Center, the Holiday Inn & Suites, and the Tucson Expo Center. You can find a complete list of show locations and dates on the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show website, or on the Gem Show app. Check out our top 6 favorite sites.
Know whether you’ll need tickets or not. Most of the Tucson gem show shows are free and open to the public, but some require tickets. You can purchase tickets in advance on the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show website or at the door. You can get a rundown of which shows require separate admission, which shows are wholesale only (and need a gem seller's business license for access), and more in the list of all the exhibitors here.
Know what you’re looking for or what you hope to find. The Tucson gem show is THE world's largest gem, mineral, and fossil show, with approximately 50 shows happening throughout the city. You can expect to see a wide variety of gems, minerals, jewelry, and fossils on display and for sale, as well as demonstrations and lectures from experts in the field. You can likely also get appraisals or identifications on pieces you already own. Whether you’re just browsing for $10 jewelry pieces, agate bookends, or on the hunt for a rare diamond (or maybe a dinosaur bone), knowing what you want ahead of time will help save time sifting through dozens of vendors.
Know how to get around. The Tucson gem show covers a large area, so planning your transportation in advance is important. You can use the Tucson Gem Show app to find show locations and shuttle schedules. The Sun Link Streetcar connects four central downtown shopping districts, but make sure you have a card to pay, as they don’t accept cash. Most sites offer plenty of parking, and it can be a good idea to have a car with a secure trunk to stash your finds at each site. While ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be convenient, if you may purchase anything big or heavy, it will be better to have your own vehicle. If the weather is great and you’re in an active mood, Tucson also offers the TuGo Bike sharing service. Use the CycleFinder app to find a bike nearby!
Know where to stay. We may be biased here, but we humbly believe that staying at one of our beautiful vacation rental properties is your best option for getting the most out of your trip to the Gem Show. A Vacay in Tucson property will give you a private place to relax, cook your meals, soak in a hot tub, and enjoy the sunset without all of the crowds or worrying about a noisy neighbor at a hotel. And because we have rental properties to fit every size travel group, you’re sure to find one that suits you perfectly. Click here to explore all of our beautiful vacation homes. Make sure to book early as the best dates typically get reserved by the prior October, but sometimes we have last minute openings.
Know what to bring. Make sure to bring cash or credit cards to purchase items at the gem show and a bag or backpack to carry your purchases. A wagon or pull cart may be helpful if you plan on making large purchases. You'll also want to wear comfortable shoes, wear a hat, and bring sunscreen and water, as the weather can be warm and sunny in Tucson during the Gem Show.
Know your price. Many vendors at the gem show are open to negotiation, so don't be afraid to try to haggle on prices. And yes, you’ll have better success negotiating with cash! It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. Also, while most vendors are willing to sell to the general public, some require proof of a business license to buy merchandise.
Know about other activities in Tucson. In addition to the gem show exhibits, there are also special events and activities happening throughout the city during the gem show. The Gem Show app has a list of “after-hours” events here. Furthermore, there are plenty of sights to see around the city, hikes to explore, and mouth-watering restaurants and bars to try. Check out our post about what to do when visiting beautiful Tucson.
Know what you don’t know. It's always a good idea to do your research before attending the Tucson gem show, and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show website is a great resource for information. You can also download the Tucson Gem Show app for real-time updates and information about the show. With exhibitors all over the city and over 60,000 attendees, the Tucson Gem Show can quickly overwhelm a novice visitor. Doing your research, planning, and coming prepared will ensure a great experience!
We hope these tips help you have a fantastic time at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of this annual event, there's something for everyone at the Tucson Gem Show. Happy shopping (and people watching)!