Introducing the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase

Shuttle and Bus Service

GemRide, the free shuttle service provided by the city, connects most shows through the Bead Loop, the Mineral and Fossil Loop and the Downtown Gem Loop. The TCC Express shuttle connects the main shuttle parking lot to the Tucson Convention Center, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 3 to Feb. 16.

Individual shows may also provide a shuttle service. To find out, please contact the show directly.

Sun Tran will operate as usual during the gem show. A one-day pass for unlimited use that calendar day is $3.50 and can only be used on the SunGO ticket that costs an additional 40 cents. One-way fare is $1.50, and kids 5 and younger ride free.

Parking

Parking is available for the Downtown Gem Loop, TCC Express and Bead Loop at the GemRide hub at 300 S. Linda Ave., west of Interstate 10 for a $5 daily fee. 

Parking also available at Congress Street and Interstate 10 for a $5 daily fee. 

Some shows offer parking, and Downtown Tucson has available parking in various garages, metered spaces and lots.

Downtown Tucson garage parking

Four locations shown on map

Weekdays: First hour free; $8 per day.

Weekends: $5 flat rate.

Tucson Convention Center lots

260 S. Church Ave.

Daily fee: $10 during the AGTA GemFair; $8 during the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

Tips and Tricks

At a glance, the 40-plus shows at the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase can seem daunting. Don’t plan on seeing everything, but do come. Most shows are free, with dealers setting up in rows of hotel rooms across the city. Sure you can wander, but making a plan will get you to the best stuff.

• Focus on your interests. Many shows have an emphasis — jewelry, meteorites, fossils or the rocks themselves. Peruse the guides and plot your path accordingly.
• Check out the main Tucson Gem and Mineral Show at the Tucson Convention Center, Feb. 13 to Feb. 16. This show displays mineral collections from museums around the world, so you can expect some snazzy exhibits and educational gems. Admission for this show is $10.
• Pay attention to shows marked “wholesale only.” While policies may differ for each show, you’ll likely need wholesale credentials to do any business.

UA Mineral Museum

The end of the gem showcase does not mean all treasure disappears from Tucson.

Mineral collections will still be on display at the University of Arizona Mineral Museum exhibit opening Saturday, Feb. 8. The exhibit will stay open through December 2014.

Titled “The Best of the Best: Prize Minerals from the Vaults of Arizona’s Collectors,” the exhibit displays top mineral collections from around the state.

Check out the museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; 6 to 9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids 4 to 15 and free for children under 4. Discounts available with various ID.

Call 621-7827 for more information.