Few toys are more universal than Legos. 

The humble plastic building blocks are familiar, inspiring generations of engineers to imagine possibilities from a very young age. Lego fans around the world celebrate the unique combination of simple form and complex structures by supporting art exhibits, museums, and 11 amusement parks.

Those Legoland amusement parks in far-flung locales like Malaysia and Dubai look amazing, but they are not an easy visit for northeast Indiana fans on a family budget. 

Lucky for us, Brickworld returns to Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 14-15, featuring 38,000 square feet of Lego exhibits by local builders.

Brickworld has been hosting exhibitions since 2007, supporting their motto of “Share – Learn – Explore – Discover.” The Fort Wayne edition will also include Duplo and Lego play areas, a graffiti wall, and tons of specialized vendors.

Excitement for young visitors

Legos long ago transcended the toy box and are routinely found in modern office cubicles, family display cases, and man cave décor. Their appeal crosses generations and culture. I reached out to a few previous Brickworld attendees to get their feelings about their experiences and what a new visitor should expect.

Eight-year-old Leland described the whole event as “exciting.” He appreciated the dynamic constructions and reported, “I liked seeing the marble run display where a bunch of Lego contraptions make a marble go around with gears and stuff.”

The opportunity to engage the younger visitor was not lost on Leland’s 5-year-0ld brother, Hudson. 

Hudson agreed that the whole thing was fun, and his favorite part was the Duplo city.

Like any good expo, Brickworld brings specialized vendors with expert knowledge. 

Lego building is a tactile activity, and the event offers a rare chance to shop hands-on with dedicated retailers.

Jax, 15, is a lifetime Lego builder and longtime Brickworld fan. When talking about what to expect, he called out the temptation of those vendors. 

“It’s super-fun,” Jax said. “Even if you aren’t a Lego fan, there are several things to see. If you are a Lego fan, it’s a must. Bring money because you are going to want to buy something!”

Not just for kids

A quick look at the Lego catalog will make it clear they are not just for kids. There are some very complex, technically challenging kits. These are a grown-up passion for creative builders with the resources to build amazing things.

Phil, 31, works in finance by day and shares a Lego collection and obsession with his wife. He recognizes the unique opportunity for creative storytelling that this traveling event supports. 

“My favorite thing about Brickworld is seeing all the creativity and passion for Lego,” he said. “Not only are they making a building or a castle — they are making a story. It’s so much fun and inspires you to be creative!”

Parents of creative and mechanically inclined youngsters have relied on Legos to keep bright minds active. Brickworld has become a go-to event for bringing together like-minded young people. Young builders are inspired by seeing the outer limits of creativity that Lego offers, and that idea isn’t lost on local parents.

Nicole is a mother of a longtime Lego devotee, and a big fan of Brickworld. 

“Having a son who has played with Legos for almost 15 years, I love seeing his reaction to all the different displays,” she said. “It’s amazing what people can create with just a few tiny plastic blocks. Lego inspires creativity, and that’s something I try to promote as a mom.”

Whether you’re just a kid who loves Legos, a grown-up kid who appreciates endless creativity, or a kid’s parent looking for inspiration, Brickworld is a great place to fuel your passion. And it’s a lot cheaper than plane tickets to Malaysia or Dubai.