If you're looking for a fun, educational, and hands-on weekend experience this summer, the Prescott Gem and Mineral Club’s annual show is a can’t-miss event. Taking place August 1 to 3, 2025, at the Findlay Toyota Event Center (3201 N Main St, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314), the show is now in its 21st year—and it's bigger and more dazzling than ever.
What began as a modest get-together for rock and mineral enthusiasts in 2004 has grown into Northern Arizona’s largest indoor gem and mineral event, drawing thousands of visitors and over 75 vendors from across the western United States. It’s a place where collectors, jewelry lovers, families, and curious newcomers come together to explore the wonders of Earth, both ancient and sparkling.
From Humble Beginnings to a Rock-Solid Tradition
The Prescott Gem and Mineral Club was founded in 2003 by a handful of passionate rockhounds who wanted to share their love of geology, lapidary arts, and earth science. One of those founding members was Maggi Leiber, a former Club President who remembers the early days of the show with affection and humor.
“Our first show was basically a few tables and some shade. We had more bugs than buyers—but we had a blast,” Leiber laughs. Despite the rough start, the enthusiasm was contagious, and the event quickly outgrew its original location at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds.
Today, the show fills the spacious Findlay Toyota Center with aisles of colorful booths, eye-catching displays, and interactive experiences. The growth has been remarkable, but the spirit remains the same: it’s about connecting people to the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
A Club That’s Always Evolving
The Prescott Gem and Mineral Club has also grown significantly over the years. With more than 300 active members, it’s now one of the largest clubs of its kind in Arizona. Members range from professional geologists and seasoned fossil collectors to lapidary artists, jewelry artisans, and complete beginners.
The club meets monthly at its new location, the Elks Lodge in Prescott Valley, and every gathering includes an educational presentation, social time, and updates on club activities. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including local geology, gemstone identification, jewelry making, and rockhounding safety.
New members are always welcome. “You don’t need to have a background in science to enjoy what we do,” says Club President John Munday. “If you’ve ever picked up a shiny rock and said, ‘Wow, that’s cool,’ you’ll fit right in.”
The 2025 Show: Bigger, Brighter, and More Interactive Than Ever
This year’s three-day event will showcase more than 75 vendors, offering a wide variety of rocks, minerals, crystals, fossils, beads, jewelry, tools, and lapidary supplies. Whether you’re hunting for a rare mineral specimen, buying your first fossil, or just shopping for a handmade gift, the variety is unmatched.
“We work hard to bring in a diverse group of vendors—from high-end mineral dealers to lapidary artists and fossil hunters,” says Dan Hunt, the Club’s Show Chair. “It keeps the show fresh every year.”
New this year, the show will feature live jewelry-making demonstrations and hands-on mini-classes, giving visitors a chance to see lapidary artists in action and even try their hand at basic techniques.
In addition to shopping, visitors can browse dozens of stunning member display cases, showcasing everything from rare quartz crystals to polished agates, petrified wood, meteorites, and hand-crafted jewelry.
One-of-a-Kind Attractions
A standout feature of the show—and a visitor favorite—is the fluorescent mineral booth. Unlike any other exhibit of its kind, this immersive experience is more than a display—it’s a kinetic educational show. Equipped with lasers and two types of ultraviolet illumination, the exhibit showcases how certain minerals glow with intense, vibrant colors when exposed to UV light.
“It’s a fluorescent mineral experience like no other in the world,” says Hunt. “Kids and adults are blown away when they see these rocks come alive in glowing blues, greens, and reds. It’s a signature feature of our show, and people come back every year just to see it again.”
Fun for the Whole Family
While rockhounds and serious collectors will find plenty to explore, the show is also extremely family-friendly. A lively Kids’ Zone includes games, activities, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire the next generation of earth scientists.
Children can spin the prize wheel, crack open their own geodes, and even handle real dinosaur fossils—including coprolite (yes, fossilized dinosaur poop). Friendly club volunteers are on hand to explain each specimen and answer curious questions.
Every paid admission comes with a free raffle ticket for a chance to win daily prizes, which include polished stones, jewelry, books, tools, and more.
More Than Just a Show—It’s a Community
The annual show is the club’s signature event, but it’s just one part of a vibrant year-round calendar. Members take part in monthly rockhounding trips around Arizona, an annual out-of-state adventure, and hands-on learning in the club’s fully equipped lapidary workshop. This unique space lets members transform rough rock into polished gems with guidance from experienced instructors. The club also supports education through Yavapai College scholarships and engages the community through school programs and scout workshops.
“This show represents the heart and soul of our club,” says John Munday. “It’s the highlight of our year and a great way to connect with the community.”
A Destination Worth the Trip
Prescott Valley offers a refreshing change of pace from Arizona’s hotter regions in August. At an elevation of over 5,000 feet, the area enjoys cooler summer temperatures, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Visitors often combine their trip to the gem show with hiking, antique shopping, or a stroll around the charming downtown area of nearby Prescott.
Local hotels, restaurants, and shops welcome gem show guests each year, and the event gives a healthy boost to the regional economy. Whether you're driving up from the Valley or coming in from out of state, the show makes for a unique and memorable weekend experience.
Plan Your Visit
The 2025 Prescott Gem & Mineral Show runs Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, with doors open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is affordable, at $5 for Adults, $4 for seniors, vets and students, and kids under 12 are free.
The Findlay Toyota Center, located at 3201 N Main St, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314, offers plenty of free parking and is fully air-conditioned for a comfortable experience.
Want to get more involved? Stop by the club’s information table during the show to meet members, ask questions, and sign up for a membership. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a lifelong enthusiast, you’ll find a welcoming community and endless opportunities to learn.
Discover, Learn, and Connect
Learn more at www.prescottgemmineral.org and follow the Prescott Gem and Mineral Club on Facebook for updates, sneak peeks, and special announcements.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your next great find, or just looking for something fun to do this summer, the Prescott Gem and Mineral Show has something for everyone.
Rock on in Prescott this August! You might just find your next treasure!