Upcoming Mineral Shows

by Dave Hennessey, MSDC former President

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Venue: Old Waldorf School (3074 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601)
Details: Organized by the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club. Features 45 tables of specimens, handcrafted jewelry, door prizes every 30 minutes, a fluorescent display tent, and free rocks for kids.
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (65+), $3 for juniors (13–17), and free for children 12 and under.

Key Attractions & Highlights

45 Vendor Tables: Browse a wide collection of high-quality crystals, minerals, fossils, raw slabs, lapidary creations, and handcrafted jewelry available for purchase.
Fluorescent Tent: Walk through a popular glowing display featuring vibrant rocks and minerals that illuminate under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Prizes & Giveaways: Door prizes are drawn and awarded every 30 minutes throughout the event.
Youth Perks: Free rocks and specimen samples will be gifted to all attending children.

Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Venue: Howard County Fairgrounds (Buildings 7 & 8, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794)
Details: A large commercial bead show showcasing gemstone beads, minerals, finished jewelry, and artistic components. Educational classes and instructional workshops are also available.

Dates: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22, 2026
Venue: Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center, George Mason University (4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030)
Details: Co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Mineral Club and GMU's Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences. Features approximately 20 specialized dealers, educational kids' activities with mini-mines to dig for specimens, lapidary demonstrations, and a Sunday silent auction.
Cost: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $4 for teens (13–17); free for kids 12 and under, scouts in uniform, and GMU students/faculty with ID.