5 things to do at the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase that aren't shopping
Updated
Whether you’re a professional jewelry artist, fossil collector, a gemstone enthusiast or an avid people watcher, the gem show has got it all. By Gloria Knott, Special to the Arizona Daily Star
One thing to do other than shop
Courtesy Gem & Jam Festival
The 12th Annual Gem & Jam Festival is at the Pima County Fairgrounds. The four-day festival features dozens of musicians and performers across four stages. Listen to music, attend workshops, and walk through art galleries. The festival IS Jan. 25-28. Ticket prices vary.
A second thing to do other than shop
Attend the Sonoran Glass Flame Off on Feb. 2 at the Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th Street. Eighteen glass artists compete to make a glass masterpiece. The event includes raffles and auctions, food trucks, and Thunder Canyon Brewery Beer. Tickets start at $20.
A third thing to do other than shop
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show offers free lectures and seminars Feb. 8-10. Experts will talk about everything from mineral photography to the history of gem stones.
A fourth thing to do other than shop
Take a class. Many bead shows, including the JOGS show at the Expo Center and the To Bead True Blue: Colors of the Stone show at Casino Del Sol offers jewelry-making classes. Prices vary.
A fifth thing to do other than shop
Support non-profit organizations. At the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, non-profit mineral and earth science organizations fill their own booths and meet with the public.
If you go
Melis Cohen looks over the strands of crystals she’s buying from the booth run by Queenly Global Trading, Richardson, Texas, during the JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show at the Tucson Expo Center in Tucson, Ariz. The JOGS show, featuring about 200 exhibitors, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Showcase
When: Saturday, Jan. 27—Sunday, Feb. 11. Individual shows have different dates and times.
