Visit Tucson during the Gem Show
February is the perfect time to visit Tucson, Arizona, right in the heart of the Southwest, especially if you plan your trip around the Gem Show. The weather is ideal—warm days without the intense summer heat—and you’ll get to experience the renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show. You must enjoy your days filled with desert magic during your February visit after read the blog!
Picture yourself in sunny February days in Tucson, where the Gem Show shines and the desert comes alive. This delightful city, nestled among the iconic saguaro cacti and rugged Sonoran landscapes, invites you to discover outdoor adventures, cultural gems, and delicious Southwest cuisine.
About the Gem Show
Let’s talk about the Tucson Gem Show. It all started back in 1955 with a small gathering of just 15 vendors and about 1,500 attendees at a little school. Fast forward to today, and it’s a massive event with thousands of vendors spread across more than 40 shows, attracting over 60,000 treasure seekers! We reached out to experienced sellers and regular attendees to uncover their tips for making the most of this adventure.
The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase (held from late January to early February) is enormous—like, it takes over the entire city! For two weeks, it’s everywhere: in convention centres, hotel ballrooms, tents, and even in hotel rooms that have been transformed into gem galleries. It’s an incredible experience—you could easily spend days wandering through stalls filled with stunning stones, fossils, and jewelry. Most people find they need at least a day and a half to truly appreciate everything it has to offer!
Our story? We’ve been part of Tucson’s Gem Show family for over 20 years! We’re located at Gem Mall, managed by G&LW Trade—a gem-world staple for 50 years, hosting top shows across the country. Why do we choose to partner with them? It’s simple: they connect us with the best buyers. We prioritize you—offering quality service, fresh inventory every year (think pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, strands, pairs—you name it!), custom orders, and smiles all around. Our audience? From locals to visitors from Mexico, Italy, Germany—you name it! Every spring, Tucson is where we come together, sharing not just gems, but trust and good vibes.
Upcoming show details as below,
Location:
02/2025 Gem Mall, Tucson, AZ
Facility Name: Gem Mall
Address: 4475 South Country Club Road
Booth: Fiesta 2303/2403/2404
Show Date: 1st – 9th February 2025
Show Hours: 10AM-6PM Daily
The Gem Show is open for everyone to enjoy! For professionals and wholesalers, there are special areas just for you. At Gem Mall in 2025, the event takes place from February 1–9—while not every seller is present every day, we’ll be here throughout! Although it’s referred to as one ‘show,’ it’s actually 43 mini events happening all over the city.
Tucson is super accessible flights from across the U.S. arrive at TUS Airport. Arrive early in the morning or the night before to make the most of your time. What makes Tucson unique? It’s located right in the Sonoran Desert, where those famous saguaro cacti reach impressive heights!
Just a heads up—hotel rooms disappear quickly! Tucson gets really busy during the peak of the Showcase, so once you make your plans, be sure to book your accommodations right away. Reserve your stay early, and don’t forget to make restaurant reservations downtown or at the resorts—those places fill up fast!
Even though ‘gems, minerals, and fossils’ is in the title, there’s so much more to explore. The African Art Village is a favourite among visitors, featuring over 100 vendors with stunning art, cozy clothing, handmade beads, and countless treasures. You’ll definitely want to leave some space in your suitcase!
As I mentioned, the Tucson Gem Show takes over the entire city. It’s free to roam around, but the venues are quite interconnected. Choose one location and dedicate a morning to exploring every booth or room—it’s truly a paradise for gem enthusiasts!
You’ll discover everything from raw stones to polished gems, pearls, jewelry, and beads—you name it! You may find some vendor have some stones supply between $10–50, you may sift through the bins for budget-friendly souvenirs but take your time—things can get overwhelming! Most vendors accept cards, but paying with cash can get you some discounts.
Explore Historic Tucson
Tucson has deep roots in the history of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui peoples, going back thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish settlers. The atmosphere? A blend of Spanish allure and Wild West toughness. Explore it all with a historic tour!
A walking tour is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the city’s essence. Tours led by locals reveal the most intriguing secrets! Consider the 3-hour Historical Guided Tour, which combines walking and driving, or opt for a self-guided audio tour if you prefer exploring on your own. The Presidio Museum provides both free and paid walking options, and the Turquoise Trail features a 2.5-mile DIY loop—just be warned that their PDF map can be quite challenging to print. It’s best to pick up a paper copy when you arrive!
Not a fan of walking? Consider joining a food tour—Secret Food Tours’ tacos are worth the bike ride (got to balance those calories, right?). Enjoy your adventure, friend!