1. How many shows make up the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
The total varies from year to year, but the record was 52 in 2020!
2. How many people attend the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
Nearly 65,000 visitors visit the winter shows.
3. What times are the shows open?
Shows open between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Refer to the show listings for exact times. (Fall / Winter)
4. What kind of exhibits are at the shows and what can I buy?
You can find everything from gemstones and meteorites to rare diamonds, to boxes made of petrified wood. Dealers specialize in loose stones, jewelry, African art, beads, polished stones, minerals, fossils, and gifts. Check the Winter Gem Show listings for more information.
5. How do I find a hotel room during the event?
If you are seeking accommodations for fewer than 10 room nights, please call Visit Tucson Visitor Information Services at 1-800-638-8350. Our team stays on top of where the available hotel rooms are -- for your convenience! If you require more than 10 room nights, please contact our Sales Team at 520-770-2139. View Tucson hotel rooms.
6. Can I get something to eat at the shows?
Yes. Most shows have a variety of food vendors on the property or are located close to restaurants.
7. Can I get rocks, gems, and/or minerals identified?
Some shows provide appraisers. As with any purchase, it is best to do some homework before buying, pay with a credit card, get the name/contact info of the vendor, and note the show attended.
8. I don't want to carry my treasures on the plane home. Where can I have them packed and shipped?
Select shows offer packing and shipping on property. Inquire with the individual shows.
9. What else can I do at the shows?
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® has unique museum-quality exhibits that change each year. Most of the shows feature an unusual or rare item on display, such as the world's largest meteorite or a five-foot-tall geode. The shows also provide a great way to meet and network with visitors from around the world.
10. How do I advertise in Gem Show Guide?
The Official Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Program Guide and Map are published by Madden Media and Visit Tucson. Advertising opportunities are limited, with priority going to prior advertisers as well as the shows themselves. There are other guides to the Showcase that may have advertising opportunities available, including Metaphysical Guide Magazine (metaguide.net) and Tucson E-Z Guide (xxpopress.com).
11. How do I receive a Gem Show Guide by mail?
To accommodate all the participating shows, the guides are produced just prior to the Showcase opening and are not available in advance via U.S. Mail. The printed version of the Official Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Program Guide is available at the Southern Arizona Heritage Visitor Center, select City of Tucson offices, and at all gem shows.
12. Are dates set for future Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase events?
Labor Day Shows:
October Dealer Showcase
Winter Gem Shows:
- January 31 - February 15, 2026
- January 30 - February 14, 2027
13. Where can I find information for show dealers and vendors?
Go to our Gem Show Dealer and Vendor information page.
14. How Do I Get Around the Gem Shows?
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase consists of over 4,000 exhibitors and buyers from 42 states and 44 countries at over 40 locations. If you want to pair your gem show stops with a tour of downtown Tucson restaurants and entertainment, use the Tucson Sun Link streetcar. There are plenty of parking options, here are a few useful tips:
Parking
Park at any downtown garage. The Official Tucson Gem Show Guide mobile website is updated prior to the showcase.
Sun Link Streetcar
The streetcar connects four downtown dining and entertainment districts -- Main Gate Square, Historic Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and Mercado San Agustin. Cash is not accepted on the streetcar. Note: Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Van, Sun On Demand, Sun Express and Sun Shuttle rides continue to remain fare-free at the direction of the Mayor and Council.
Metered Parking
Use your smartphone to pay for parking at one of 1,800+ metered spaces. Smartphone notifications are available. Use the GoTucson Parking App: Download from GooglePlay. Download from iTunes.
Tugo is a network of bicycles available for rent for short trips around central Tucson. Use the CycleFinder app: Download on GooglePlay. Download from iTunes.
