SAN ANTONIO – LEGO builders of all ages got the chance to build, shop, and connect with professional builders as the Brick Convention makes its first stop in the Alamo City.
The two-day event at Freeman Expo Hall features large-scale LEGO displays, new and retired sets for sale, and hands-on activities where kids can test their building skills.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 1 or 99,” said Jeremy Douma, show manager for Brick Convention. “Anyone can get into it.”
Jonathan Bocaneegra said his family had never attended a Brick Convention before and wanted to see what it was all about.
“It’s good,” Bocaneegra said. “A lot of great builds here, a lot of things for sale, so a lot of things for everyone.”
The convention includes collections and builds inspired by popular franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars, along with activities for younger builders.
“I’m trying to make a LEGO city,” said Zofia Bocaneegra, a young builder attending the event.
For some families, building with LEGO bricks has become a shared hobby. Aida Roberts and her son, Curtis, have been attending LEGO conventions since 2014. After recently moving to the San Antonio area, Roberts said she was impressed with the local event.
“It’s a little smaller, but it’s nice because it’s all organized here,” Roberts said.
Roberts said she and her son are currently working on a lighthouse build together.
Tickets are about $18 online and $20 at the door. Douma said a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Build Smiles Foundation, a nonprofit that brings joy and entertainment to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“Not everyone has access to LEGO, and it’s a great learning tool,” Douma said. “It’s a fun way to relax and kind of escape from the real world, so we want to make sure everyone has a chance.”
Master builder Tim Hutchings said LEGO products continue to appeal to people because of their creative possibilities.
“Just an amazing little creation,” Hutchings said. “It just unlocks everything, storytelling, and it’s just amazing what you could do with that little piece of plastic.”
The Brick Convention continues Sunday at the Freeman Expo Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The convention is also scheduled to make its final stop of the year in Austin during the first week of December.
