Brickmania Blog

>>>Here is a schedule for Brickmania’s confirmed events for 2014>>>

Brickmania attends numerous AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) conventions, LEGO exhibitions and other events throughout  the year. At most events we bring models to display, as well as a fully stocked vendor booth, including a complete line of Brickmania kits and BrickArms accessories.. At some shows we have special edition kits and often have stuff on hand that is not available through the web store.  More dates may be announced as they are confirmed.

Every Weekend + First Thursday:
Brickmania Toyworks Open House
Brickmania has an open house our NE Minneapolis Warehouse (referred to as the “Brickmania Toyworks.”  We feature historical and artistic displays made from LEGO® brand bricks, a stay and play area and small selection of snacks and refreshments available. We also have a store with cool Brickmania, BrickArms and LEGO-related stuff. The open house is appropriate for all ages and admission is free.
TRAIN ROOM HOURS: The Train room is only open during  the first Thursday of month from 5pm-9pm and the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 4pm.   The Train Room features mass fan-built LEGO train layouts of the TCLTC (Twin Cities Lego Train Club) and GMLTC (Greater Midwest Lego Train Club).

January 11-12: Brickfair Alabama: Birmingham, AL
BrickFair is a AFOL convention and public exhibition that takes place in different locations around the United States. Brickmania has one of the largest vendor booths at Brickfair and we bring a complete line of  Brickmania kits, custom minifies,  T-shirts, and BrickArms custom weapons, we always brings several large models to display.

March 6-9: Bricks Cascade: Portland, OR
We’re planning our return to Bricks Cascade in 2014!  We plan to participate in collaborative builds and of course will have a complete selection of Brickmania goodies for sale.

April 26-27: Philly Brick Fest: Oaks, PA
“Witness mind-blowing creations made entirely of LEGO® bricks and see how these little plastic bricks open up a world of imagination and creativity.”

May 1-4: BrickSlopes, Sandy UT
We’re looking forward to our first ever visit to the Rockies!

May 16-18: Northeast Art-A-Whirl: Minneapolis, MN
Brickmania’s warehouse is located ground zero in heart of one of the country’s largest art crawls and we will be open to the public for all three days. In addition to our normal displays from the GMLTC and TCLTC, we will have numerous regional artists and artisan selling their wares, music guests, folks dancing and May Pole wrap, Pizza Lucé pizza and more.

June 14-15: Brickworld Chicago: Schaumburg, IL
The “midwest’s premier LEGO fan convention” takes place every June outside of Chicago, IL. We will have a small vendor booth only, no Brickmania displays.

June 20-22: World War Brick: Minneapolis, MN
World War Brick is the only event dedicated to military and historical modeling with LEGO bricks. On display is the world largest assembly of military and historical models built by LEGO enthusiasts from around the world. Weekend pass holders can participate in a full three days of activities, while more casual visittors may see the displays and visit the store area during the limited public hours. World War Brick 2013 will take place in Brickmania’s 18,000 SF warehouse space in Minneapolis and is co-sponsored by BrickArms and GI Brick.

July 19-20: Brickfete: Toronto, ON
Canada’s largest LEGO fan event now at a new location. (Delta Toronto East). We will have a small vendor booth only, no Brickmania displays.

August 2-3: BrickFair VA: Chantilly, VA
The Biggest LEGO fan event in North America happens each August just outside of Washington, DC. We will have a small joint vendor booth with BrickArms, GI Brick and Brickstuff. Dan will be bringing his destroyer USS Nicholas as well as contributing models for several collaborative builds.

August 29-30 World War II in LEGO: Evansville, IN
Brickmania will be setting up a massive 3700 square foot World War II display at the Evansville Museum featuring a number of historic models, dioramas and displays made from LEGO® bricks. Displays include the Invasion of Peleliu diorama, the destroyer USS Nicholas, several ETO (European Theater of Operations) mini dioramas and dozens of individual historically accurate ww2 fighting vehicle models. including aircraft, tanks and ships.

September: LST 325 Cruise on the Tennessee River
The D-Day veteran LST 325 will be setting sail this year on the Tennessee River for a three week cruise with stops in Decatur, AL on September 4-9th and Chattanooga, TN on September 12-17th. Brickmania’s massive Battle of Peleliu display featuring a 10-foot long LEGO replica LST will be on display inside the ship as part of the tour. There will also be exclusive Brickmania kits and minifigs available in the LST 325 gift shop for both stops.

September 16-17: Robotics Alley Conference and Expo – Minneapolis, MN
Brickmania will be participating in the 4th annual Robotics Alley Conference and Expo taking place at the Marriott Minneapolis Northwest on September 16-17th. We will be demonstrating robotics education for youth using the LEGO© MINDSTORMS© EV3 system to industry insiders, engineers, educators, and students. We have obtained a coupon code BRICKMANIA2014 to pass along for a 20% discount on admission to RA.

October 4-5: “Tank Farm” Open House – Nokesville, VA
Brickmania has once again been invited to display at the Americans in Wartime Museum’s open house at the “Tank Farm” in Nokesville, VA. Features vehicle and tactical demonstrations, living history units, educational activities, roundtable discussion with decorated veterans and much more. In addition to bringing out some of our displays, we have been given permission to set up a vendor table as well.

Adam Turman Mosaic Build @ Brickmania Toyworks (Minneapolis, MN)
Saturday, November 22nd – 6pm to late – FREE
Join us for a special Saturday evening group building event at Brickmania Toyworks with artist Adam Turman. We will recreating one of Adam’s iconic Minnesota themed prints as a LEGO® brick mosaic. This event is free and there will be free refreshments provided. Bring a food shelf donation for 10% off any purchase at the Toyworks store. Builders of all ages are welcome. Event page on Facebook.

Foshay Tower Group Build @ MN History Center (St Paul, MN)
Saturday, November 29 – 11am to 4pm – ($11 adults, $9 students/seniors, $6 children ages 6-17, free for children five or under and MNHS members.
We will be participating at the MNHS’s Family Playdate leading a hands-on group build of Minneapolis’ landmark Foshay Tower. Participation in the group build will be limited to roughly the first 120 families who show up, but we’ll play bricks for any latecomers. This event is in conjunction with the Toys of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s exhibit, which is included in your admission price.

Battle of the Bulge @ First Division Museum (Wheaton, IL)
November 29-December 30th – free with paid parking
Brickmania will be joining with members of the NILTC recreate several epic scenes of the Battle of the Bulge in LEGO, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the largest battle ever fought by the United States. We will additionally be present at the customary NILTC holiday train display at the Cantigny Park visitors’ center on December 13th and 14th.

December 13-14: NILTC‘s train show at Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL
The Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club takes over the entire Visitors Center at Cantigny Park for it’s annual holiday display. Brickmania has been invited to join them each year and it’s one of our favorite events. Admission to the show is free, but there is a small fee for parking (they have waived this with a Toys for Tots donation in the past). Don’t forget to tour the First Infantry Divisions museum and check out the tanks parked around the park!