Thousands of music fans are expected to attend the 17th annual Gem and Jam Festival this weekend at Pima County Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Gem & Jam)

After a yearlong hiatus, the 17th annual Gem and Jam Festival returns to Tucson this weekend with a renewed focus on immersive art, community connection and a lineup organizers say reflects the festival’s original creative vision.

The three-day event runs Friday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Pima County Fairgrounds, once again aligning with the city’s annual gem show that brings  global artists, collectors and visitors from around the world.

Organizers said they paused the 2025 festival because they couldn’t get the lineup they wanted. 

“We were very clear that it was a hiatus, not a cancellation,” said Josh Pollack, who has worked with Gem and Jam since 2013 and oversees talent buying and operations. 

“From a booking perspective, things just weren’t aligning the way we wanted,” he said. “If we couldn’t stand behind a lineup we felt really strong about, we preferred to take a step back rather than put on something that fell below the bar we’ve set.”

Pollack said the extra year allowed organizers to realign creatively and return with the same spirit longtime fans have come to expect.

“Our intention this year is to recreate that magical environment Gem and Jam has always been known for,” he said. “We’re not trying to reinvent anything. It’s about continuing to focus on the art, the music and the sense of connection that’s defined the festival for years.”

This year’s festival features more than 80 artists across multiple stages, with headliners including CloZee, G Jones b2b EPROM, Troyboi and Tycho.

One of the biggest changes this year is a new collaboration with Relentless Beats, a major Arizona-based event company known for large-scale festivals across the Southwest, including Phoenix’s Goldrush Music Festival in September, Tucson’s DUSK Music Festival held in November and Decadence Arizona, held in Phoenix in late December.

Pollack said the partnership brings expanded technical support, marketing resources and local staffing without shifting the festival’s creative direction.

“They’ve been really supportive of the Gem and Jam vision,” he said. “They’re not trying to turn it into something else. They’re here to help us recreate the magic that people already love, while making things smoother behind the scenes.”

He added that working with a local production team also allows the festival to rely more on Arizona-based crews rather than flying in staff from out of state.

Art and music at the center

Celebrating its 17th year, Gem and Jam has built its identity around the intersection of live music and visual art. Alongside electronic music and jam performances, the festival features large-scale installations, live painting, gallery-style exhibits and interactive workshops designed to bring the entire community together.

That creative blend has become a signature of the festival, drawing attendees who say it feels more like an experience than a traditional concert series.

David Francis from Phoenix said that immersive reputation is what finally convinced him to buy tickets to attend this year’s event.

“I’ve heard for years that Gem and Jam is way more than just a music festival,” Francis said. “People always talk about the art and the atmosphere, not just the lineup. I’m excited for the music, but I’m really curious to see how everything connects.”

The festival  offers local performers an opportunity to reach audiences far beyond typical club settings.

Tucson DJ Michael Bruyn, who performs by the stage name Half Dead, said the festival marks his major stage debut. Bruyn has been performing in Tucson for 9 years.

“This is the first festival I’ve ever played,” Bruyn said. “That’s a memory that’s going to stay with me forever.”

Bruyn said festival crowds allow artists more freedom to showcase their sound and creativity.

“When you play a festival, your options expand infinitely,” he said.

Walters The Don, a Tucson tech and bass house DJ, says being booked for Gem and Jam carries similar meaning as an emerging artist.

“As an upcoming artist, it’s really validating,” he said. “Seeing your name on a poster next to DJs you admire is inspiring.”

Walters said festival sets are more intentional than club shows, giving him space to experiment with music selection and flow.

“I’m most excited to share my music with people who genuinely love it,” he said.

A community-driven experience

Pollack said the festival’s culture of openness and connection has always been its defining feature.

“Year after year we hear stories of people coming alone and leaving with lifelong friends,” he said. “Some people even meet their partners here and it’s really just all about creating a space where people feel comfortable being themselves.”

With the festival returning after the yearlong break, he believes that a sense of community feels more important than ever.

“These kinds of gatherings are about escape, creativity and connection,” Pollack said. “It’s a place to dance, see amazing art and just enjoy being together.”

A glimpse of one of the many art installations and creative booths that will fill the festival grounds, representing the dozens of creators who will showcase their work alongside the live music performances. (Photo courtesy of Gem & Jam)

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.