The Best Bead Show Returns: A Grand Revival at the 2025 Tucson Showcase

The Best Bead Show, a beloved fixture in the arts and crafting community for over 20 years, is excited to return after a prolonged hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health challenges within the promoter's family. The 2025 Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase marks the perfect moment for a grand revival featuring over 15 outstanding vendors showcasing unique and beautiful treasures.

Attendees can expect to be captivated by a diverse range of products, including an impressive variety of beads made from pewter, bone, mermaid, chevron, glass, and more; handmade artisan lampwork beads; jewelry; glass art; lightweight, one-of-a-kind aluminum and waterproof paper wearable art accessories; silver- and gold-filled findings; freshwater and shell pearls; semi-precious gemstone strands; ethnic and authentic, sustainably handcrafted Aadampo African beads and jewelry supplies; chain and wire; bead spinners; silver-plated jewelry; and over 2,000 seed beads.

The Best Bead Show will take place at the Kino Event Center from Friday, January 31, through Tuesday, February 4, with hours from 10 am to 6 pm and special hours on Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. Held in this beautiful indoor event hall, the Best Bead Show offers a welcoming and exciting atmosphere, with free admission and parking, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all. Whether you’re an experienced jewelry maker or a curious beginner, this event is the ideal place to find inspiration, learn new techniques, and connect with other passionate bead enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of beads and artistry at one of Tucson’s most anticipated events of the year. In addition, the House of Stamps will be hosting a class on making handmade metal stamps!

The Best Bead Show has been gracing the town of Tucson, Arizona, since 1996 and has remained one of the most highly anticipated events in the gem and mineral world since. The Show has been in the capable hands of promoter John Iannucci since 2009. Iannucci was introduced to the world of Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase as an advertising manager for the events in the fall of 2000, he made his first trip to Tucson in 2001. After visiting numerous Tucson shows, Iannucci caught the expo bug and continued on the advertising side until he was tasked with running booth sales and layout for Bead Fest. From there, he grew the first Philadelphia-area show into the largest East Coast bead show, with satellite locations in Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville. 

In 2008, Iannucci left Bead Fest and acquired the Best Bead Show from Lewis Wilson, with whom he had built a professional and personal friendship. Iannucci is now well established as a promoter, running successful shows from coast to coast—and many places in between. New shows and classes are continually being added. To stay up-to-date on all the happenings, visit their website at www.bestbeadshow.com.

Visit the Best Bead Show profile page on the Xpo site for more information about the event (venue, address, contact info, dates, hours, admission, etc.), a list of vendors, photos, and Google map directions to the show.