Gem and Jam’s 17th year dazzled crowds with eclectic music and unforgettable experiences at Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson.
Perfect, temperate weather spanned the weekend, as the sun glimmered on lively crowds from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8. As early as 11 a.m., attendees enjoyed metaphysical workshops in the Topaz Healing Sanctuary ahead of musical guests.
Before the stages opened Friday afternoon, Gem & Jam campgrounds came to life with ravers settling in for the weekend. Music and laughter filled the air as friends set up camps to represent their group’s style and vibes.
Weekend Entertainment and Performances: The Jams
Clozee‘s captivating headlining set on opening night conjured an ethereal tone for the weekend with beautiful visuals and soothing sound. The Emerald Stage served as the main event space and represented the festival’s aesthetic perfectly. Adorned with giant crystals, fluffy moss, and animal bones repurposed into art, the Emerald Stage showcased nature’s beauty.
On night two, Troyboi went full throttle on the mainstage with a classic catalog of bangers across genres. Then, G Jones B2B Eprom closed out the night with a hard-hitting set that screamed peak Gem & Jam.
Finally, Tycho brought the main stage to a calm, surreal conclusion on Sunday night with inspirational and uplifting sound. Yheti and Toadface’s B2B packed the Onyx stage at 2:45 a.m., as Gem & Jam 2026’s final send off.
Arizona’s Relentless Beats hosted the festival this year, after its 2025 postponement following failure to secure a lineup. This year, it partnered with idgaFNK to carefully curate Gem & Jam’s Opal Stage to showcase Phoenix’s local EDM scene.
IdgaFNK DJs, product vendors, live painters, and artists carved out a corner of campus to call their own. After the headliners finished at midnight, the Opal Stage became an intimate afters inside a bus until 2 a.m.
More Than A Music Festival: The Gems
An extension of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Gem & Jam emphasizes the intersection of nature and creativity. From stage design to careful selection of art installments, vendors, and workshop topics, the festival has unique offerings for all.
One of the most spectacular sections to witness Gem & Jam’s creative pull is at the Emerald Stage art gallery. Live painters dot the festival grounds, with the largest works found near the main stage.
While the live painting is quite unique, the gallery itself is also incredibly impressive and worthy of browsing. Mediums at the gallery range from traditional paint on canvases to projection mapping and welding, with everything in between.
Beyond the main gallery, Gem & Jam has multiple art installments for viewing and interacting with. Some installments respond to motion or touch, while some ask you to share your deepest thoughts and wildest dreams.
A particularly interesting installment (pictured above, to the right behind the butterfly) was the “Orgone Amplifier.” A crystal toted on wheels grabbed the attention of curious onlookers who could change its color with a twisting knob. It’s uses and technology run deeper than pretty colors, and you can read more on the Orgone Amplifiers Instagram.
All in all, Gem & Jam 2026 went off without a hitch after sky-high anticipation. Relentless Beats flawlessly picked up where the festival left off, and it’s already gearing up for next year. According to the Gem & Jam official Instagram, 2027 dates and early bird tickets will be released soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
