Gem & Jam Festival returns to Tucson after year off

The annual music festival is back with a new electronic music partner, Relentless Beats.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:39am

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After taking a hiatus in 2025, the Gem & Jam Festival is returning to Tucson, Arizona for its 17th edition in 2026. This year, the festival has partnered with major Arizona EDM event promoter Relentless Beats, which is infusing the lineup with more electronic music acts while still maintaining the festival's jam band roots. The four-day event will feature 80 acts across four stages and will be held alongside the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

Why it matters

The Gem & Jam Festival is a long-running music and arts event that draws thousands of attendees to Tucson each year. The partnership with Relentless Beats signals an evolution in the festival's musical direction, potentially appealing to a wider audience while staying true to its jam band origins. The event also coincides with the world's largest gem show, creating a unique blend of music, art, and geology.

The details

The 2026 Gem & Jam Festival will feature 80 musical acts, including 'world bass' producer CloZee, downtempo artist Tycho, a b2b DJ set from GJones and EPROM, Desert Dwellers, and the first-ever performance outside Colorado from Boombassador — a collaboration between funk-driven electronic artists Bombox and The Polish Ambassador. In addition to the music, the festival will also host artist galleries, live paintings, experimental installations, workshops, and gem and mineral exhibits.

  • The Gem & Jam Festival is returning in 2026 after taking a hiatus in 2025.
  • The festival will be held from February 4-7, 2026.

The players

Gem & Jam Festival

An annual music and arts festival held in Tucson, Arizona that features a mix of jam bands, electronic music, and other genres. The festival is held alongside the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

Relentless Beats

A major Arizona-based event promoter that has partnered with the Gem & Jam Festival to bring more electronic music acts to the lineup.

Josh Pollack

A co-producer of the Gem & Jam Festival who expressed excitement about the partnership with Relentless Beats.

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What they’re saying

“The timing couldn't be better to have them officially on board. It truly takes a village, and we're thrilled to level up together and continue the evolution of Gem and Jam.”

— Josh Pollack, Co-producer, Gem & Jam Festival (phoenixnewtimes.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Gem & Jam Festival are now on sale, with general admission, VIP, and camping options available.

The takeaway

The Gem & Jam Festival's partnership with Relentless Beats signals an exciting evolution for the long-running event, blending its jam band roots with a heavier electronic music influence. This unique fusion, set against the backdrop of the world's largest gem show, promises to create an unforgettable experience for attendees in 2026.