Gem & Jam Festival returns to Tucson this weekend after year off

After taking a hiatus last year, the Gem & Jam Festival is returning to Tucson for its 17th iteration — this time with a new partner that’s bringing a different vibe to the jam band-focused party.

Relentless Beats, a major Arizona EDM event promoter, has teamed up with the festival and is infusing the 80-act lineup with a heavier electronic streak. But don’t expect house and techno; think musical styles in touch with the festival’s jam roots. This year’s top acts include “world bass” producer CloZee, downtempo phenom Tycho, a b2b DJ SET from GJones and EPROM, Desert Dwellers and the first-ever performance outside Colorado from Boombassador — a collaboration between funk-driven electronic artists Bombox and The Polish Ambassador.

Josh Pollack, a co-producer, said in a written statement that the festival team was thrilled about the partnership.

“The timing couldn’t be better to have them officially on board,” Pollack said of Relentless Beats. “It truly takes a village, and we’re thrilled to level up together and continue the evolution of Gem and Jam.” 

The festival is an all-ages, family-friendly event held at the Pima County Fairgrounds, surrounded by a huge expanse of nature and desert. It runs right in the middle of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase — the largest gem show in the world.

General admission tickets are on sale for $120 per day, or $349 for the whole weekend. A three-day VIP pass runs at $625, and early entrance to the festival on Thursday costs an extra $90. While walk-in camping is available for just a $25 parking fee, any upgrades cost extra, with the cheapest option (car camping) priced at about $218. A group camping bundle is also available, and so are RV passes and glamping options.

The full lineup and schedule are available on the festival’s website and Instagram page. Artists will play on four stages, named Emerald, Onyx, Quartz and Opal, the last of which will be curated by Phoenix-based collective IDGAFNK.

“We’ve taken years off before, but as promised, we’re back in 2026 with an incredible lineup and a renewed energy to recreate that Gem & Jam magic our community knows and loves,” Pollack added.

The festival will also feature artist galleries, live paintings, experimental installations, workshops and gem and mineral exhibits.