Gem show

Matthew Schmalz browses through polished agate geodes as he’s framed by a slice of amethyst quartz in the Western Woods tent at the Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show at the Riverpark Inn, 777 W. Cushing Street, on Jan. 24, 2018, in Tucson.

'Tis the season for one of Tucson's largest events of the year — the gem show.

More than 50 shows are part of this year's showcase. While some haven't made their 2025 debut quite yet, others are already set up and ready for business.

Beyond the gem show, this weekend includes the return of the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, a market featuring unusual vendors and a couple pop punk dance parties.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

The cashier at Kaia Sparks Designs helps a customer while buyers browse the selection of sterling silver gemstone jewelry and other handicrafts available during the 22nd Street Gem Show on Jan. 30, 2024.

Tucson, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase

The giant Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is back for yet another winter season, bringing people from allover the world to shop the dozens of shows spread out across the city. Find jewelry, rocks, fossils and more.

When: Now throughFeb. 16

Where:Various locations across Tucson

Cost:Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Partner Drawing Workshop with Linus

Local artist Linus Schief is hosting a drawing workshop with a twist. You'll have the chance to draw your partner without ever looking down at the paper!

When:6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

Where:Whiskey Del Bac,

Cost:$45 per pair, includes one drink per person

Visit thefor more information.


Sponsored

Watch Blues in the Night, a musical celebration of the blues and its influence on American music🎶

weaves the stories of three women and one man as they navigate love, heartbreak and rebirth. Set in 1930s Chicago,features 26 of the hottest torch numbers by blues and jazz icons. Come andthrough the hearts of four of the country’s best crooners, a live band and a soundtrack by an array of America’s greatest composers.


Pueblo Vida Coloring Day

On the last Thursday of every month, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company hosts Coloring Day! Visit the brewery to color Pueblo Vida-themed coloring pages with crayons, colored pencils and watercolors.

When:3-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

Where:Pueblo Vida Brewing Company,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit thefor more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.

When:5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where:Children's Museum Tucson,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.


Sponsored

Meet America's largest capybara herd!

Visitfor a one-of-a-kind encounter with the largest group of capybaras in the USA.and create unforgettable memories!


Znora Fest

Local band Znora's first full-length album will be released during a party at the Rialto, featuring a lineup of local musicians.

When:7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

Where:Rialto Theatre,

Cost:$5-$8

Visit thefor more information.

Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair - O’odham Wapkial Ha-Taṣ

For the first time in the 86 years that the Tohono O'odham Nation has held its annual rodeo and fair, admission will be free to the public. Expect rodeo competitions, carnival rides, a basketball tournament, food vendors and more.

When:Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2

Where:Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex, , Sells

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.


Sponsored

We're hosting our third annual market featuring 100+ local vendors 🎉

is putting together an outdoor artisan market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 along Fifth Avenue near Congress Street. You'll find handmade and curated items including earrings, baked goods, soaps, stickers, macrame, photography and more. Save the date! More details TBA soon! :)


Pop Punk and Emo Night

If you miss Warped Tour, this emo night might be up your alley.

When:7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

Where:Corbett's,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Learn about the sky with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association!

When:7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

Where:Saguaro National Park East,

Cost:Free to attend, park entrance fees may apply

Visit thefor more information.

The Unuzual Market

Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.

When:11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Coalition Space,

Cost:$1 cash for entry, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Lee Lee's Lunar New Year Celebration

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center's Lion Dance Troupe is performing at Lee Lee International Supermarkets' Lunar New Year party.

When:Noon on Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Lee Lee International Supermarkets,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Kat Rodriguez plays with Chloe during the grand opening of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge. The lounge showcases cats available for adoption.

Movie Night with Cats

Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting a movie night! Watch "The Aristocats" alongside adoptable cats.

When:7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Hunter's Kitten Lounge,

Cost:$25, includes a drink and candy

Visit thefor more information.

A Day at the Alfie

For the third year, the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum is hosting A Day at the Alfie, an all-day event kicking off gem show season. Admission is free all day and attendees will find presentations featuring guest speakers.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Free First Saturday

Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Expect campfire songs, marshmallows and hot cocoa.

When:6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Valley of the Moon,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

First Saturday ArtWalk

The Warehouse Arts Management Organizationis hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.

When:4-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:See the map

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!

When:9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Surly Wench Pub,

Cost:$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making a visit to Tucson this weekend.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is rollin' into Tucson with its adorable Sanrio merch and treats.

When:10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:La Encantada,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Saturday Movies in the Woods

Woods Memorial Library is screening "Maleficent" with free popcorn!

When:1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Woods Memorial Library,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Chocolate Factory Tour

If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," this might be your dream come true. Though not as extravagant as Willy Wonka's facility, take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.

When:11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Monsoon Chocolate,

Cost:$20

Visit thefor more information.

Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe. On the calendar this weekend: a comedy show with Lady Haha and bingo!

When:7-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 for comedy; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2

Where:El Jefe Cat Cafe,

Cost:$18 for comedy show, ages 21 and up;$14 for bingo, reservations required

Visit thefor more information.

Save Our Saguaros Month Kickoff Day

Help pull the invasive buffelgrass on "A" Mountain this Saturday to kick off Save Our Saguaros Month. Gloves, shovels and digging bars will be provided.

When:9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:"A" Mountain's lower parking lot,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting laser shows paired to the music of Radiohead, Tool and Pink Floyd.

When:Saturday, Feb. 1; 6:30 p.m. for Radiohead, 8 p.m. for Tool, 9:30 p.m. for Pink Floyd

Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,

Cost:$20.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit thefor more information.

Arizona Opera is bringing three staged operas to Tucson in the 2024-25 season including Puccini’s “La Bohéme” in February.

La Bohéme

Arizona Operacould have one of its fullest houses since the pandemic on Saturday for its one and only Tucson performance of Puccini's "La Bohéme."

When:2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Linda Ronstadt Music Hall,

Cost:$45-$215

Visit thefor more information.

Beer + Bikes

This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.

When:Noon on Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Button Brew House,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for brews

Visit thefor more information.

Jazzercise Community Intro Class

Jazzercise Tucson Fitness Center is hosting a free one-hour community intro class that includes cardio dance and sculpting.

When:9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Jazzercise,

Cost:Free to attend, registration required

Visit thefor more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend, you can get a mural tour! One of the tours features a wine tasting.

When:Saturday, Feb. 1; 9 a.m. without wine tasting, 1 p.m. with wine tasting

Where:Presidio Museum,

Cost:$35 without wine; $65 with wine

Visit thefor more information.

Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Dance Party

Join this indie party for a night of dancing to a DJ mixing Tame Impala, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Dayglow and more.

When:9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:The Rialto Theatre,

Cost:$19. This event is for ages 18 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Presidio Painting

The Presidio Museum is hosting a watercolor workshop led by artist John Gates.

When:1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where:Presidio Museum,

Cost:$60

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Desert Song Festival

Tucson Desert Song Festival returns with big names in the operatic and art song world. The festival has two parts, one that runs through the end of February and the second that picks up in April.

When:Now through Feb. 28; April 1-19

Where:Several locations

Cost:Varies

Visit thefor more information.

BICAS Crafternoons

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When:1-4 p.m. Saturdays

Where:BICAS,

Cost:Free to attend, donation suggested

Visit thefor more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays

Where:Foothills Mall,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes!

When:10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 1-2

Where:Udall Park,, on Saturday; and Silverbell Park,, on Sunday

Cost:$25

Visit thefor more information.

Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair

Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.

When:8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month

Where:Medella Vina Ranch,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit thefor more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.

When:5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2

Where:Dante's Fire,

Cost:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit thefor more information.


Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community.

Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨