One name, two layers
"The Tucson gem show" means two things. The first is a citywide showcase of gem, mineral and fossil events with winter dates from January 27 to February 14, 2027. It is made of many separate events at different locations. There is no shared ticket and no common set of opening hours.
The second is the main show of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society (TGMS), held from February 11 to 14, 2027 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Avenue. This is the event with fixed public hours and a published ticket price, so it is the best anchor for a visit. This site is an independent guide and has no link to the organizers.
The main TGMS show at a glance
Details for the 2027 edition, from the organizer's program.
| Item | 2027 details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday, February 11 to Sunday, February 14, 2027 |
| Venue | Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Avenue |
| Theme | Minerals as Art: The Art of Minerals |
| Hours | Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Day ticket | $15 ($14 plus a $1 convention center ticket tax) |
| Two-day ticket | $26 |
| Children | Free up to age 14 with a paying adult |
| Friday discount | $2 off on Friday, February 12 for visitors 62 and older and for active or former military, not combinable with other discounts |
Tickets are sold at the door at the convention center box office. TGMS does not sell tickets itself. Ask at the box office about any extra charges before you pay.
Tucson tours and day trips for show week
Desert, canyon and museum outings from Tucson to combine with a day at the show, with live prices and availability.
The citywide showcase
Around the main show, gem, mineral and fossil events take place at many places across Tucson over almost three weeks. Each one sets its own dates, hours and entry terms. Public access can differ from event to event, so read the entry terms of each one before you go.
A simple approach works well. Pick the dates you can travel, build the day around the TGMS show and add a second event only if its listed hours fit. Do not expect to cover the whole showcase in one trip. Plan travel between venues, since the events are not in one place.
Tips for a visit in February
Practical points that save time on the day.
Choose your day
The show has four days, and Friday carries the discount for older visitors and military. The two-day ticket costs $26, so it pays off if you plan to return rather than rush through one long visit.
Dress in layers
February averages a high of 69 °F (20.7 °C) and a low of 43 °F (6.2 °C) at the airport. The mornings are cool and the hall is indoors. The Tucson weather page has all months.
Tucson weather →Book early
The showcase lasts almost three weeks, so choose your travel dates first and compare lodging for those nights. See where to stay in Tucson for the areas.
Where to stay →Getting around
Sun Tran buses and the Sun Link streetcar are free at the time of writing. Sun Link runs 3.9 miles (6.3 km) with 23 stops between the Mercado San Agustín, downtown, Fourth Avenue and the University of Arizona. The line does not go to the airport. Check the current timetable before you ride.
Add a day outside the show
The show fills a weekend. These pages help you use the rest of your trip.
Things to do in Tucson
Fifteen experiences from Sabino Canyon to museums, caves and film sets.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tickets, hours and the current road detour.
Food in Tucson
The city's gastronomy title and how to plan meals around sightseeing.
Tucson tours compared
What each outing includes and which ones need a booking.
Tucson gem show: frequently asked questions
When is the Tucson gem show in 2027?
The citywide showcase has winter dates from January 27 to February 14, 2027. The main TGMS show is February 11 to 14, 2027. Other events inside the showcase set their own dates.
Where is the main show held?
At the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Avenue. Other showcase events are held at separate locations around the city.
How much does the TGMS show cost?
A day ticket costs $15, made of $14 plus a $1 ticket tax, and a two-day ticket costs $26. Children up to 14 enter free with a paying adult. On Friday, February 12, visitors 62 and older and active or former military get $2 off, and this cannot be combined with another discount.
Is there one ticket for the whole gem show?
No. The showcase consists of many separate events with their own entry terms and hours. The TGMS ticket covers the TGMS show only.
What are the opening hours of the main show?
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Check the organizer's program shortly before your trip, since events can adjust their schedule.
Is this the official gem show website?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the organizers or to the city. Use it for planning and check each event for its current terms.