Whether you’re fascinated by sparkling gems, ancient fossils, colorful crystals, or simply looking for a unique family outing, Nature’s Treasures is inviting the community to explore the wonders of the natural world during its annual Rock Fest.
Michael Kallstrom and Amanda Journeay joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share what guests can expect at this year’s celebration and why the event has become a beloved Austin tradition for rock enthusiasts, families, and curious explorers.
Michael Kallstrom and Amanda Journeay joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share what guests can expect at this year’s celebration and why the event has become a beloved Austin tradition for rock enthusiasts, families, and curious explorers.
Rock Fest began in 2014 as a celebration of Nature’s Treasures and its connection to the Austin community. That year, the store unveiled its massive amethyst geode, which remains on display today and is recognized as the largest natural citrine amethyst geode in North America.
“So Rock Fest began in 2014, and it’s kind of a big celebration that we put on,” Kallstrom explained. “In 2014, we unveiled our amethyst geode that’s still at the store. It’s the largest natural citrine amethyst geode in North America.”
The celebration also holds a special place in Austin history after the city declared August 8th as Nature’s Treasures Day, creating an annual opportunity to celebrate the store’s mission of education, community, and appreciation for the natural world.
Over the years, Rock Fest has grown into a weekend full of interactive experiences, vendors, and opportunities for visitors to learn more about geology, fossils, minerals, and the environment.
“Nature’s Treasures has just been such a part of the community,” Kallstrom said. “We always do everything we can to build community, to educate, to bring attention to the environment, doing all those sorts of things.”
Nature’s Treasures invites families to dig into fun at Rock Fest
This year’s Rock Fest is especially exciting because it will be the first celebration at Nature’s Treasures’ new location. After relocating due to the I-35 expansion, the store has settled into its expanded space and is ready to welcome both longtime visitors and new guests.
“This is our first year at the new location, so of course we had to relocate due to the I-35 expansion,” Kallstrom said. “Our campus is expanded. It’s been a full year, so we’re fully settled in. We’re really looking forward to having everyone out.”
Throughout the weekend, guests can explore vendors, meet members of organizations like the Austin Gem and Mineral Society and the Paleontological Society, discover unique jewelry, and experience different aspects of the natural world.
One new feature this year is Pathways, an interactive scavenger hunt that encourages visitors to explore the store and outdoor areas while collecting stamps and learning fun facts along the way.
“So this year we actually created this really fun, exciting adventure,” Journeay explained. “It’s like a scavenger hunt, but it’s going to be store-wide, and then it’ll branch kind of outdoors into our rock depot and into the rock yard.”
Guests will receive a stamp card when they arrive and can complete challenges throughout the property. Once the card is completed, participants can enter to win special prizes.
“Everybody loves prizes,” Journeay said. “So we have three of those. They’ll get a chance. They can enter after they complete their stamp card and get all of their little stamps collected.”
One of the standout giveaways during Rock Fest is a stunning pink amethyst, which Journeay shared more about during the segment.
“Amethyst is purple quartz, so pink amethyst would be pink purple quartz,” she explained. “This variety of pink quartz comes from Brazil. The small kind of sparkly, twinkly aspect of the crystal is caused by its microcrystalline structure. So we call it drusy quartz.”
“Amethyst is purple quartz, so pink amethyst would be pink purple quartz,” she explained. “This variety of pink quartz comes from Brazil. The small kind of sparkly, twinkly aspect of the crystal is caused by its microcrystalline structure. So we call it drusy quartz.”
The beautiful piece will serve as the grand prize for Rock Fest weekend, giving visitors the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind natural treasure.
Beyond Rock Fest, Nature’s Treasures continues to offer events and experiences throughout the year, including pop-up events featuring plants, baked goods, fossils, jewelry, and more.
Nature’s Treasures invites families to dig into fun at Rock Fest
To learn more about Rock Fest, upcoming events, and ways to stay connected with Nature’s Treasures, visit their website and sign up for their events newsletter.
Nature’s Treasures invites families to dig into fun at Rock Fest