Gem & Jam 2024 Essential Packing Guide

Tucson’s premier cross-genre festival will return to Pima County Fairgrounds in February 2024. Get ready for the Gem & Jam with these camping essentials.

Gem & Jam will celebrate its 16th annual edition in 2024 at the picturesque Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona from Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4. The cross-genre festival has recruited headliners The Disco Biscuits, Of The Trees, Boogie T, Lettuce, Spafford, Daily Bread, and LP Giobbi for its diverse lineup. Not only is Gem & Jam a genre-melding event but it’s also a gem and mineral show and inclusive camping festival.

The Pima County Fairgrounds is located on 640 acres surrounded by nature and a desert environment creating the perfect landscape for festivalgoers. Gem & Jam will offer various camping options including on-site camping, RV and glamping options, as well as a brand-new group camping option which is an 80’x80′ campsite that fits 10 cars and is conveniently located near the entrance so large groups can plan their weekend with ease.

As always, the Gem & Jam will feature its renowned vendor bazaar with a variety of gem and mineral offerings. Additionally, the festival hosts daytime workshops, plenty of delicious food and beverage options, and around-the-clock music and art.

Ahead of the festival, we’ve compiled a list of essential camping items to bring to make Gem & Jam the best – and most comfortable – festival experience of the year!

Upgrade your sleeping experience with comfortable bedding

Camping experts will always advise a comfortable air mattress or bedding set to ensure a decent night’s sleep while at a music festival. Bringing a comfortable pillow and some durable blankets will help keep you warm on the cold February nights in Arizona. Amazon has options available for $40-$60 dollars and can be an investment to use for the future.

Portable phone charger

This one seems like a no-brainer but having a good portable phone charger can go a long way at camping festivals. Keeping your phone alive to contact your friends at the festival or take pictures and videos to document the moment is essential for an enjoyable experience.

A good light source

It’s crucial to bring some good lighting to create some ambiance in your campsite. Decorative string lights can be good for aesthetic purposes but also a battery-powered lantern will provide a solid light source for everyone in your camp.

Canopies and tarps

To avoid any unfortunate situations with the weather, it’s best to set up a canopy over your tent and a tarp on the ground to make your campsite weather-resistant.

Gem & Jam is only a few months away so purchase your tickets and camping essentials now!