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 rock becomes a beautiful gemstone, cabochon, or piece of jewelry? Come see it happen!
Watch talented NWAGMS members demonstrate beading, cabochon making, copper smithing, faceting, and knapping. See the tools and techniques up close, ask questions, and discover the artistry behind the hobby.
Interested in learning yourself? Stop by the Club Table to learn about our classes, hands-on opportunities, and how 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!
GEM SLUICE
💎 Will YOU Strike It Rich?
Dig in, wash away the sand, and uncover your own hidden treasures! Our Gem Sluice is back and ready for fun again this year.
Purchase a bag of gemstone, mineral, or fossil material, then discover what's hiding inside! You might find amethyst, rose quartz, pyrite, shark teeth, ammonites, coral, and more!
Every bag holds a surprise, and you get to take your treasures home!
Fun for kids, families, and rockhounds of all ages. Come see what YOU can uncover!
Bags available for purchase at the show. Finds vary from bag to bag.
