The acclaimed Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is held every year on the second full weekend of February (starting with a Thursday). It has set the standard for gem and mineral shows and is now the "largest, oldest, and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world." The Show is open to the public.
There are an estimated 250 retail dealers sharing the Exhibition Hall and the Arena areas of the Tucson Convention Center throughout the weekend. An unparalleled variety of mineral, fossil, jewelry, lapidary crafts, and related publications are presented under one roof.
The show is sponsored by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, a local organization committed to studying and advancing earth sciences.
Proceeds from the Show remain in the Tucson economy and are used to support mineral knowledge and appreciation.
*Note that the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is part of the citywide Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase.
The dates are February 9-12, 2023.
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® is held at the Tucson Convention Center at 260 S. Church Ave in Downtown Tucson.
Admission is $13 per day per adult. Children 14 and under are free with a paying adult.
Friday is often Military (active & retired) and Senior Citizens Day (62 and older). Receive $2.00 off the regularly priced ticket (cannot be used with any other discount).
Parking is available at the Tucson Convention Center, at several adjacent lots, and on the street (toll).
Tucson temperatures in mid-February are generally in the 50s-70s with blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Wearing short sleeves, skirts, dresses, and sandals are certainly acceptable - but you'll definitely want to pack lightweight sweaters and pants for the cooler evenings and early mornings.
Bring water.
Yes.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the convention center. That said, there are PLENTY of outstanding dining venues within a 1-mile radius (see below).
A limited selection of snacks and drinks are available for purchase on-site, but we encourage you to venture into the downtown area for some great eats and fun photo opps.
Our top picks within a 1-mile radius include:
Feel free to tweet us at @TucsonTopia for more recommendations around town!
Remember that you can hop on the Tucson Streetcar to easily get around the downtown and university area.
Don't miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - beautiful scenery and fun for all ages!
We also recommend Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park East & West, Trail Dust Town, and La Encantada Shopping Center.
Yes! There is a Jr. Education Area of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® at the TCC. Kids can walk through a maze of educational experiments, go on a mineral scavenger hunt, and take home a variety of clearly identified specimens.
Activities for kids will be taking place on Friday (2pm-6pm), Saturday (10am-6pm), and Sunday (10am-4pm).
Children, ages 14 and under, receive free admission to the show with a paying adult.
The Tucson Convention Center is stroller-accessible and wheelchair-accessible. That being said, the City of Tucson website states that "Most events do not allow baby carriages or child strollers in the venue. Strollers can be checked-in at designated Administration/Guest Services Offices."
No.
Yes - in the restrooms.
Yes. You can follow the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society on Facebook and Twitter.
We also recommend that you follow TucsonTopia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the inside scoop on Tucson hotels, restaurants, and activities.
That just about covers it. Have a great time!
