Tucson Fall Gem Shows. During the winter here in Tucson, we have the biggest gem and mineral event of its kind. This event is like that event’s younger brother: not quite as big, but definitely  catching up, and still very cool. There are a few events going on here. The Best Bead Show runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, through Saturday, Sept. 8 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 at Quality Inn & Suites Airport North, 5251 S. Julian Drive. The Holidome by Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 9. At 4475 S. Country Club Road. The Gem Show at Kent’s Tools runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 9 at 2745 N. First Ave. Check out visittucson.org for more information, and get ready to have your world rocked.

Odyssey Storytelling: Branded. As the storytellers at this event can attest, there are a lot of different ways to be branded. There are the literally markings, like tattoos, piercings and scars. And there are the mental, emotional kinds that come from being labeled by other people. Some brand themselves by choosing to wear their hearts on their sleeves, while others feel betrayed when they’re given designations they didn’t choose. Tonight, six Tucson storytellers will share stories about times they’ve felt branded, reminding you that you’re never alone. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6. The Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh St. $10 GA, $7 students. Details here.

Our Sister’s Keeper. Photographer Marie Plakos travels the world to photograph people, cultures and landscapes. In this exhibit, she is showcasing her works that illustrate the beauty and strength of women—particularly in the face of adversity. From economic hardships and hunger to lack of adequate health care and physical abuse, there are many women who get up every day and fight just to be alive. In her words, “human rights must exist for everyone living on this planet and for women and girls to have a better life. Our life interdependence demands this, and that is why we must be our sister’s keeper.” Exhibit runs through Sunday, Oct. 28. Saint Philips in the Hills, 4440 N. Campbell Ave. Free. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.