Set against the breathtaking Collegiate Peaks and nestled along the Continental Divide, the Buena Vista Rock, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show returns August 6–9, 2026, bringing four full days of discovery, shopping, learning, and family fun to the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds. Running daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, this beloved summer event is not only Colorado’s largest outdoor gem, mineral, and fossil show — it’s a tradition more than 55 years in the making.

 

There’s no better backdrop for a rock and mineral show than Buena Vista. With Mt. Princeton towering overhead and wide‑open valley views in every direction, the Rodeo Grounds offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and easy access. Located just off Hwy 24 on Gregg Drive, the venue is spacious, scenic, and ideal for wandering between vendor tents, demonstrations, and activity areas.

 

Every year, more than 100 vendors gather in Buena Vista to showcase an incredible variety of treasures:

• Gems & minerals

• Fossils & dinosaur bone

• Petrified wood

• Handmade jewelry

• Lapidary art

• Beading supplies

Many vendors are miners, prospectors, and artisans who personally dig, cut, polish, and craft the pieces they sell. Their stories — and their passion — are as fascinating as the specimens themselves.

 

This show isn’t just about browsing — it’s about doing. Visitors of all ages can enjoy:

• Gold panning with the Gold Prospectors of Colorado

• Kid’s dig pit for young rockhounds

• Geode cracking, revealing crystals for the first time

• Lapidary demonstrations, including cabochon cutting and sphere making

• Daily door prize drawings at 1:00 and 5:00 PM

These interactive experiences make the event feel like a living classroom — one filled with excitement, discovery, and plenty of dirt under your fingernails.

 

A limited number of overnight RV and tent dry‑camping spots are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, making it easy to enjoy all four days without missing a moment. Families will appreciate the open layout, food trucks, and welcoming atmosphere — and well‑behaved pets on leashes are invited too.

 

The Buena Vista show began more than five decades ago as a casual gathering of rock enthusiasts selling specimens from their tailgates — inspiring the name “Contin‑Tail,” a nod to both the Continental Divide and its humble beginnings. Today, it has grown into a massive outdoor marketplace and community celebration, yet it still retains the friendly, approachable spirit that made it special from the start.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual shopper, or someone who simply loves exploring Colorado’s mountain towns, this event offers something for everyone:

• Rare finds and one‑of‑a‑kind treasures

• Knowledgeable vendors and artisans

• Activities for kids and adults

• Free parking and free admission

• A gorgeous mountain setting

It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day — or four — in Buena Vista.

 

• Rock, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

• August 6–9, 2026

• 9 AM – 6 PM daily

• Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds

• Free parking & free admission