Tucson Gem Show Parking Guide 2027

2026-10-11

Where to park for the Tucson gem shows: downtown city garages near the Convention Center, current Park Tucson rates, and what the tent shows charge.

Parking works differently in each show cluster. Here is what the official sources say.

Downtown (Tucson Convention Center, GJX, AGTA, Main Show)

The City of Tucson runs Park Tucson, with more than 3,000 covered garage spaces and almost 1,000 surface-lot spaces downtown and around the University of Arizona. Every city and UA garage and lot is within walking distance of the Sun Link Streetcar.

On its special-event parking page, the City lists the City-State Garage (498 W Congress St) as convenient to the Tucson Convention Center. The garage is open 24 hours, and the Downtown Tucson Partnership lists these rates as of July 1, 2026:

  • Weekdays: $1.25 per hour (Monday – Friday)
  • Evenings (after 5 pm): $3 flat
  • Visitor entrance: from Manning House Way, off Congress St

Park Tucson raised rates on July 1, 2026: garage and lot parking went to $1.25/hour, meters to $1.50/hour, and evening and weekend flat rates went up by $1. Meters are still free on Sundays. Always check the signs on site, because event pricing can differ.

Other city garages include Centro Garage (345 E Congress St), Pennington Street Garage (110 E Pennington St), Depot Plaza Garage (45 N 5th Ave) and Library Garage (45 W Alameda St).

Central tent and hotel shows

TucsonGemShow101 says most central-area venues have free parking, but some big shows charge. The Xpo Press profile for the 22nd Street Show lists $10 on-site parking and $5 off-site parking across the highway next to the Waffle House. TucsonGemShow101 says downtown and big venues usually charge $5 – $10 and many gates take cash only.

South side

TucsonGemShow101 describes the south area (JOGS, Kino, G&LW) as having ample free parking for cars and large trucks.

Tips

  • Carry small bills for parking gates.
  • If you're buying heavy pieces, park as close as you can, or bring a folding cart.

See our parking listings and the venue map.

Sources