The Desert Came Alive At Gem & Jam 2026
Moontricks, CloZee, Sunsquabi and so many more artists created a vibe that couldn’t be matched!
There’s something special about Gem & Jam Festival that doesn’t feel like just another festival, it feels like stepping into a living, breathing little world in the middle of the desert. This is my 6th Gem and Jam I have attended, and it was definitely one of my absolute favorites! For three days on Feb. 6th-8th, at the Pima County Fairgrounds, strangers become neighbors, dusty boots sparkle with glitter, and you find yourself drifting effortlessly between rows of crystals and handmade art straight into a crowd that’s fully immersed in the music. One minute you’re turning a piece of labradorite over in your hand, sunlight flashing off the surface, and the next you’re moving with hundreds of people under open sky as CloZee presents melodies of something hypnotic and beautiful, Tycho wraps the night in warm, glowing sound, or TroyBoi pushes the energy into that unforgettable space of wonder. At Gem and Jam, it’s not just music and its not just rocks. It’s energy in the air, bass in your chest, gemstones in your pocket, and that rare feeling that for a few days, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
A Warm Welcome and A World to Explore
What makes Gem & Jam even better is how easy the curators make it to settle in and stay awhile. The camping feels like its own little village full of tapestries hung between canopies, neighbors sharing coffee and snacks, and laughter drifting long after the music fades. For me, the campgrounds became such a stable source of home, my neighbors welcomed my family so warmly and everyone cared for each other with such genuine depth. Inside the grounds, the festival is thoughtfully laid out so you’re never far from what you need. I found perfectly placed shaded hangout spots when the sun hit in the afternoon, water refill stations and clean restrooms were found in the best locations, late-night food vendors were serving everything from comfort bites to healthy snacks (my favorite was definitely Island Noodles!), and art installations that felt like they were placed exactly where you’d want to pause. The workshops, healing center and yoga classes were also incredible offerings for those looking to focus on their own intentions. There’s a sense that the organizers at Gem & Jam actually understand what it’s like to be out there for three days, dusty, happy, a little tired, and fully alive, and they’ve built this irreplaceable experience so you can focus less on logistics and more on soaking in every single moment.
Melodies That Soothe The Soul
What honestly hit me the most were the way the sets actually felt. My favorite set was definitely Moontricks, me and my son danced for the whole set, and the song choices were absolutely perfect! Then, we caught CloZee right as the sky started turning that soft desert gold, and it felt grounding and powerful all at once. You could feel the energy around you, like we all knew we were witnessing something special and irreplaceable. Later, when Tycho came on, the whole energy shifted into this warm, glowing calm, it felt like one of those close-your-eyes, hand-on-your-heart kind of moments. And then when G Jones and EPROM came on, it felt like that deep bass would just sweep us away. What I loved most is how harmoniously all the facets flow together, the crystals, the art, the camping community, the long nights, and the music that makes you dance. It all felt so intentional, like this little pocket of the world where creativity, melodies, and connection just collide in the best way. And when it was over, we drove home happy and sleepy but with souls completely full of the most beautiful gifts this community has to offer. We will definitely be returning to Gem and Jam 2027 and we hope you come with us!
