GemWeek Quartzsite vs Tucson Gem Show 2027: Dates, Differences and Doing Both
Quartzsite's January rock and gem shows (Tyson Wells Jan 1–10, QIA Pow Wow Jan 20–24, 2027) end just before Tucson's showcase starts Jan 27. Here's how they differ and how to do both.
Quartzsite, in western Arizona, hosts outdoor rock and gem shows every January. The 2027 dates line up neatly ahead of Tucson, so many rockhounds do both.
2027 dates
| Show | Where | 2027 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show | Quartzsite, 121 W. Kuehn St. | Jan 1 – 10, 9 am – 5 pm daily |
| QIA Pow Wow Gem & Mineral Show | Quartzsite, 235 E. Ironwood St. | Jan 20 – 24 (QIA events page lists Jan 20 – 23) |
| Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase | Tucson, 40+ venues | Jan 27 – Feb 14 |
| TGMS Main Show | Tucson Convention Center | Feb 11 – 14 |
Tyson Wells also lists a second show block Jan 15 – 24, 2027 on its homepage. Confirm details with the organizers.
How they differ
- Format. Tyson Wells describes its show as a 25-acre outdoor show with 396 selling spaces on 2.2 miles of aisles, where sellers can live on their show spaces. The QIA says its Pow Wow has over 515 spaces and nearly 200 vendors, with about 1,500 – 2,000 attendees a day. Tucson is a citywide showcase with dozens of shows in tents, hotels, warehouses and the Convention Center.
- Wholesale vs retail. Some Tucson shows are trade-only and need a business license or registration. See wholesale vs public shows and tickets and badges.
- Lodging. Quartzsite is RV and camping country. Tucson has hotels across the city plus RV options (see RV parking and camping).
Doing both
Quartzsite to Tucson is about 245 miles on I-10 through Phoenix, roughly a 4-hour drive. Leaving after the Pow Wow puts you in Tucson for the opening days.