Bancroft Annual Rockhound Gemboree

01/28/2026

Wonderful news! Excited to host STEVEN LONEY CREATIONS at this years 61st Annual Rockhound Gemboree, July 30th to August 2nd, 2026. Thank you to The Prince Edward County Arts Council for supporting.

✨ Congratulations to Steven Loney - 2025-26 Indigenous Voices Fund Grant Recipient! ✨

⭐ STEVEN LONEY CREATIONS is a sculptor of Mohawk and Irish/English/Dutch heritage working primarily in soapstone. He also creates using a variety of other mediums including antlers, wood, ink, paint, wood burning, and pyrography on hide. Steve’s work appears in private and public collections throughout North America and Europe. Most recently, he was commissioned by Queen’s University to create a sculpture given to recipients of the Principal’s Indigenous Education Award.

⭐ This grant will support Steven as he carves a stone sculpture “live” in public at the 2026 Rockhound Gemboree, Canada’s largest gem and mineral show, located in Bancroft, Ontario. He will do carving demos, helping share about First Nations culture for Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the public. Upon completion, the sculpture will become a public art piece in the town of Bancroft.

🙌 We sincerely thank everyone who helped make our 2025-26 round of grants possible. Learn more about our supporters and the Indigenous Voices Fund at countyarts.ca/indigenous-voices-fund.

08/31/2025

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since Bancroft celebrated the dazzling 60th Rockhound Gemboree. 💎✨ Take a look back at some of the unforgettable moments that made this year’s celebration so special!

08/20/2025

Were you at the 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree? We want to hear from YOU!

Tell us what rocked (and what could be even better) by filling out our quick survey.
https://forms.office.com/r/3pnTMw0k2C

Help us make next year’s event even more gem-tastic! 💎

08/04/2025

It’s been a wonderful 60 years of celebrating Earth’s treasures together!

This year marked a milestone in the Rockhound Gemboree’s history. It’s amazing to think that this event started back in 1965 and has grown into Canada’s largest gem and mineral show! The 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree was a shining success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you all for helping us create unforgettable memories. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

08/01/2025

After the show closes the science continues. Check out this awesome FREE event hosted by the Ontario Science Centre. One night only!

07/31/2025

💎 The 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree Starts TODAY! 💎
Get ready for a weekend full of sparkling gems and minerals, fascinating fossils, family fun, and unforgettable discoveries in Bancroft, the Mineral Capital of Canada!

Two Great Venues:

North Hastings Community Centre (Arena) – 103 Newkirk Blvd
The Curling Club – 63 Newkirk Blvd
Affordable passes for all ages. Kids under 12 get in FREE!

07/30/2025

🎉 The Countdown is Over! 🎉

The 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree Starts TOMORROW!
Don’t miss Canada’s largest gem and mineral show in Bancroft!

Explore incredible minerals, crystals, gems, fossils, and jewelry! There is something for everyone!

07/29/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome geologist Mateo Dorado-Troughton back for the 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree Speaker Series! This year, Mateo will deliver an insightful presentation titled “The Geological History of Southern Ontario.” With a background in field mapping and mineral exploration, he’ll share his knowledge of the region’s geological past!

Saturday, August 2 @ 11:00 AM
Location: Upper Hall, Curling Club, 63 Newkirk Blvd

07/29/2025

🐾 Planning to Attend the Gemboree? Here's What You Need to Know About Pets!
We love animals, but to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the Rockhound Gemboree is not a pet-friendly event (with the exception of service animals).

Bringing a Service Animal?
We welcome service animals in accordance with AODA’s Customer Service Standards (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191 ).
Your animal must either:
✔️ Be easily identifiable as relating to your disability (e.g., wearing a vest or harness), or
✔️ Be accompanied by documentation from a regulated health professional confirming it is required due to a disability.

Looking for pet care options while you attend?
Don’t worry, there are some great local solutions to keep your furry friends safe and happy!

• Leash-Free Dog Park – Located on Newkirk Blvd beside the North Hastings Community Centre, it is a great spot for your pup to stretch their legs! (Please don’t leave pets unattended.)
• Copper Creek Kennel – A trusted local option for pet care. Call 613-338-2377 or visit www.coppercreekkennels.com for details.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us make the Gemboree a welcoming space for everyone!

07/28/2025

Excited to welcome the Ontario Science Centre to the 60th Bancroft Annual Rockhound Gemboree!

From July 31-August 3, join us in Bancroft as we bring some Rock Solid Science for you to try at Rockhound Gemboree – Canada’s largest gem and mineral show! Learn how to identify specimen and practice techniques used by geologists 🔎💎

📍 Bancroft Curling Club (63 Newkirk Blvd, Bancroft)
📆 Thursday, July 31–Sunday, August 3, 2025
Learn more 🔗 https://bit.ly/3ILhlfd

07/28/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Jason Tessier, a Petrographic Technologist with the Harquail School of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University, to the 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree Speaker Series! He’ll be giving two talks and taking part in a mineral identification booth on Saturday and Sunday. It’s his first time speaking at the Gemboree, and we’re excited to have him!

"Rock and Mineral Collecting in the Sudbury/North Bay Areas"
Thursday, July 31 at 2:30 PM

"Exploring Crystal Systems"
Saturday, August 2 at 4:00 PM
Location: Upper Hall at the Curling Club, 63 Newkirk Blvd

07/28/2025

Help us welcome back Laura Mancini for the 60th Annual Rockhound Gemboree Speaker Series! She returns to share her expertise in “The Geological History of Southern Ontario.”

Thursday, July 31 at 11:00 AM
Location: Upper Hall at the Curling Club, 63 Newkirk Blvd

Laura brings valuable experience from her work in gold exploration and mining. She now serves as Southern Ontario’s Regional Resident Geologist with the Ontario Geological Survey. This is a must-attend session for anyone curious about geological history!