After passing under the Brick Fest Live inflatable gateway, I was immediately fascinated by the large LEGO statues placed throughout the venue. These sculptures recreated famous monsters like the minotaur as well as popular characters like Woody from “Toy Story.”
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Each of these creations used thousands of bricks, and I can’t even imagine how long they took to build. All of them were intricately detailed, with some towering over me.
Another area displayed smaller, but just as detailed, models on top of several tables. Based around famous props and characters, guests could take pictures with Mario, Captain America’s shield, Pikachu and Darth Vader’s helmet.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The mask of Anakin Skywalker was not the only appearance of Star Wars at the event, considering the franchise’s 26-year-long history with LEGO. In fact, one of the only minifigure-scale displays was themed to Star Wars. Featuring hundreds of characters, this display depicted an epic battle set during the Clone Wars.
Credit: Alex Cutler
Credit: Alex Cutler
This diorama was clearly made with tons of love for the franchise, as it filled with references and easter eggs. For example, I found a custom figure based on the obscure character Sev hanging from a gunship. Created for the 2005 game “Star Wars: Republic Commando,” this clone trooper has yet to receive an official Lego minifigure.
I also saw two members of the Stars Wars costuming group the 501st Legion taking photos with fans. One of them was dressed as a Tusken Raider and the other an Imperial Weapons Specialist. While the duo wasn’t directly connected with LEGO, I still saw many guests waiting to take photos with them.
Credit: Alex Cutler
Credit: Alex Cutler
While Brick Fest featured plenty to look at, the event also offered a number of activities for children and families. This included a large pen filled completely with Legos for kids to play and build in.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Areas for attendees to build and display LEGO creations were also scattered across the event floor. Each of these had a different theme, including space and architecture. There was even a glow-in-the-dark area with luminescent bricks.
Credit: Alex Cutler
Credit: Alex Cutler
These areas did not feature any instructions, and guests could build whatever their hearts desired.
However, guests did have to follow instructions when building the large group mural. Each participant was given the steps and bricks needed to build a specific panel of the photo. When all the panels were put together, it would reveal a mural of Marvel and DC superheroes.
Credit: Alex Cutler
Credit: Alex Cutler
During the event, guests also had the chance to meet “LEGO Masters” contestant Nestor Garcia. Beginning in 2020, the competition show features various players attempt to complete various LEGO-building challenges. Garcia was on the show’s first season.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Overall, I quite enjoyed my time at Brick Fest Live. While I do believe adults without kids can have fun at the event, I certainly did, I do think children and families would get the most out of it.
During my trip I saw countless parents and children working together to build their projects, and I think this is where Brick Fest works best. So, I would definitely recommend it to families with LEGO fanatics next time the event is int Dayton. For more information on Brick Fest Live and its tour, check out brickfestlive.com.
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