🌵 Tucson Gem Show 2026: Your Ultimate Travel and Booking Guide
The Tucson Gem Show 2026 is fast approaching, and now is the time to look at the schedule of events and start booking! With dozens of shows, thousands of vendors, and a city buzzing with creativity, this is the world’s largest gathering of gem, mineral, jewelry, and art enthusiasts. Whether you're a buyer, collector, or just love the sparkle, planning ahead will make your experience smooth and unforgettable.
✈️ Air Flights
Flying into Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the most direct option, but Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is also a great alternative with more flight options and often lower fares. To find the best deals, check out:
- Google Flights – great for comparing airlines and flexible dates
- Skyscanner – ideal for tracking price drops
- Kayak – helpful for bundling flights with hotels or cars
🏨 Hotels & Lodging
Tucson fills up quickly during gem season, so book early! Popular areas include downtown Tucson, near the Convention Center, and along Oracle Road. Here are top sites to find your stay:
- Airbnb – perfect for cozy casitas and group stays
- VRBO – great for extended stays and family-friendly homes
- Booking.com – wide range of hotels and guesthouses
- Hotels.com – often includes loyalty rewards
🚗 Car Rental
If you're planning to visit multiple shows across Tucson, a rental car is a must. My top pick: Budget Fastbreak. They have a booth right inside the car rental terminal at TUS, and with Fastbreak, you can skip the long lines and head straight to your car. Just reserve online and walk right up to the booth for quick pickup.
Other rental options include:
🪪 Real ID Reminder
Don’t forget: you’ll need a REAL ID to board domestic flights in the U.S. Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses won’t be accepted at TSA checkpoints unless they’re REAL ID compliant.
Apply online—it’s faster and avoids the DMV hassle. You’ll need to upload documents like a bank statement, utility bill, and proof of identity. Once approved, you’ll be ready to breeze through airport security without delays.
Visit your state’s DMV website to start the process and check which documents are accepted. Pro tip: gather everything ahead of time so you don’t waste a trip or get stuck in line.
📍 Final Tip
With shows starting as early as January 25 and running through February 15, make sure to check out the full schedule (see below) and plan your itinerary. Booking early means better prices, better lodging, and a smoother gem show experience.
Happy planning—and see you in Tucson!
📌Confirmed Shows
| Show Name | Dates | Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock Yard | Jan 28 – Feb 15 | Visit |
| Arizona Independent Warehouse Show | Jan 28 – Feb 15 | Visit |
| Enter the Earth Wholesale Warehouse Show | Jan 28 – Feb 15 | Visit |
| Kino Gem & Mineral Show | Jan 25 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show | Jan 30 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show | Jan 25 – Feb 6 | Visit |
| 22nd Street Show | Jan 25 – Feb 11 | Visit |
| Best Bead Show | Jan 30 – Feb 3 | Visit |
| Mineral City Show | Jan 26 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| Tucson Gem and Fine Mineral Show | Feb 1 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| Smokey’s Tucson Miners Co-op Rock Show | Jan 26 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| Whole Bead Show | Jan 31 – Feb 7 | Visit |
| Colors of the Stone / To Bead True Blue | Jan 27 – Feb 3 | Visit |
| G&LW Gem Mall and Holidome | Jan 27 – Feb 4 | Visit |
| RMGM Mineral & Fossil Show – Oracle Road | Jan 26 – Feb 10 | Visit |
| Art Retreat in the Desert | Jan 27 – Feb 3 | Visit |
| AGTA GemFair Tucson | Feb 4 – Feb 9 | Visit |
| GJX Gem & Jewelry Show | Feb 4 – Feb 9 | Visit |
| Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Main Show) | Feb 12 – Feb 15 | Visit |
🎉 Special Events
| Event Name | Dates | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson Gem & Jam Festival | Feb 6–8, 2026 | Visit |
| Arizona Lapidary & Gem Rough Liquidation | Year-round | Visit |
| Faceters Paradise / Bead Holiday | Jan 26 – Feb 4 (Open House) Feb 9–11 (Hands-on demos) |
Visit |
| Raining Rocks | Jan 27 – Feb 17, 2026 | Visit |
| MELEE The Show | Feb 4–6, 2026 | Visit |
| SNAG@Tucson | Feb 5–7, 2026 | Visit |
| USFG Tucson Faceting Symposium | Feb 5–7, 2026 (Faceting classes: Feb 3–4) |
Visit |
❌ Cancelled Shows
- RMGM – La Quinta Inn Reid Park
- Jewelry Craft & Design Expo
- Grant Gem & Jewelry Show
- The Big Gem Show
- Sonoran Glass Art Show
- JCK Tucson
- Tucson Lazy Days KOA Show
- Tucson’s Hidden Gem Show
- SRGJ Shows
- Mineral Habit
- JG&M Michigan Street
- La Encantada Gem Show
- Tucson Drachman Show
🤔 Why JCK Tucson Was Cancelled
After nearly a decade in Tucson, the JCK Tucson show has officially been cancelled for 2026. First launched in 2015, JCK Tucson ran for several years as a boutique-style event tailored to designers and high-end buyers during gem week.
However, organizers at RX (Reed Exhibitions) have decided to shift focus toward their flagship JCK Las Vegas show, citing stronger international attendance and broader industry engagement there. With changing travel habits and evolving buyer priorities, JCK chose to consolidate efforts and resources.
While it’s a loss for local attendees, the spirit of the show lives on through the many other events happening across the city during Tucson’s vibrant gem season.
