HOURS AND LOCATION
- Saturday April 17, 2027 9:00 – 5:00
- Sunday April 18, 2027 10:00 – 4:00
NWA Armed Forces Reserve Center
6800 SW Minuteman Ave.
Bentonville, AR 72712
Off AR Hwy 12 North of XNA
ADMISSION
- $5.00 Entry Donation
- Children under 10 free with an adult
- Active Military free with valid military ID
- Military children free with parent
- Veterans free on Sunday with valid ID
- FREE parking
GEM/MINERAL/ROCK IDENTIFICATIONS
Wonder what that rock is? Curious about a gemstone or mineral you’ve had for years? Bring it with you!
One of the most popular features of our show is our Rock & Mineral Identification Table, where knowledgeable members of the Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Society will be on hand to help identify your rocks, minerals, and gemstones.
Whether you found it in your backyard, picked it up on a field trip, inherited it from a family member, or simply have a mystery specimen sitting on your shelf, we’d love to take a look! Our volunteers will examine your specimen, share what they know, and help you learn more about what you have.
Bring your questions—and your rocks! You may discover that your mystery specimen is more interesting than you expected.
Please note: Our identification table provides identification and educational information only. We do not provide monetary appraisals or valuations.
FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
Hungry from all that rockhounding? We’ve got you covered!
We’re happy to welcome Daisy and Delois Cajun Cookery back to the Northwest Arkansas Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show. Their food truck will be located at the front of the Reserve Center on Friday, April 17, and Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19.
Enjoy a delicious selection of Louisiana Cajun specialties and classic American favorites without having to leave the show. Grab lunch, take a break from shopping and exploring, and then head back in for more rocks, minerals, gemstones, jewelry, and demonstrations!
Good food + great rocks = a pretty good day!
HONORING OUR MILITARY
We are proud to welcome the men and women who serve—and the families who support them—to our Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show.
As a small way of saying thank you for your service, we offer special admission benefits:
- Active-duty military: Free admission all weekend with valid military ID
- Military children: Free admission when accompanied by a military parent
- Veterans: Free admission on Sunday with valid military ID
We are grateful for your service and sacrifice and are honored to have you and your family join us for a weekend of rocks, minerals, gemstones, jewelry, demonstrations, and fun!
LAPIDARY DEMONSTRATIONS
Ever wonder how a rough piece of rock becomes a beautiful gemstone, cabochon, or piece of jewelry? Come see it happen!
Throughout the weekend, talented members of the Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Society will be demonstrating a variety of lapidary and rockworking techniques in the lobby. Watch as raw materials are shaped, polished, cut, carved, and transformed into something beautiful.
Demonstrations will include beading, cabochon making, copper smithing, faceting and knapping, with opportunities to see different tools and techniques up close and ask questions along the way.
Whether you're completely new to the hobby or already have a collection of rocks and minerals at home, our demonstrations are a great way to discover what goes on behind the scenes. You may even find a new hobby!
Want to try it yourself? The Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Society offers classes and hands-on opportunities throughout the year. Stop by the Club Table during the show to learn more about our club, upcoming classes, and ways to get involved.
DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE
Our 2027 demonstration schedule will be posted here as soon as it is finalized. Check back for dates and times!
STRIKE IT RICH AT THE GEM SLUICE!
Dig in, get your hands wet, and see what treasures you can uncover!
Our Gem Sluice will be back at the show, and it’s always a favorite with our younger rockhounds—and kids at heart!
Ready for a little treasure hunting? Purchase a bag of gemstone or fossil material, then take your bag to the sluice and let the fun begin! Pour the sand and rocks into your tray, wash away the sand, and watch as your hidden treasures are revealed.
WHAT MIGHT YOU FIND?
Every bag is a little different, so you never know what treasures are waiting to be uncovered!
Gemstones & Minerals may include:
Gypsum Rose • Amethyst • Pyrite • Calcite • Serpentine • Red Jasper • Sodalite • Rose Quartz • Selenite
Fossils may include:
Ammonite • Brachiopod • Coral • Shark Tooth • Gastropod • Orthoceras • Sea Urchin • Crinoid Stem
Once you've washed away the sand, your discoveries are yours to take home!
It’s a fun, hands-on activity that lets you experience the excitement of discovering your own treasures. Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who has ever dreamed of striking it rich!
Bring the kids, bring the grandkids, or just bring your inner rockhound.
Will YOU strike it rich? Come find out!
Gem Sluice bags will be available for purchase at the show. Possible finds vary from bag to bag.
