Now that the NFL’s Super Bowl has warmed up the Valley of the Sun, the 2015 event season can begin in earnest for the Phoenix Metro Area. Geeks from all over the southwest will soon descend on The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and celebrate the arrival of the LEGO KidsFest, a traveling expo of gigantic proportions.
The event begins on February 27th and runs through March 1st in five identical 4.5-hour sessions. Your ticket gives you access to everything at the show, but only during the specific session you choose. There is one session on Friday evening from 4:00pm-8:30pm and two each on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-1:30pm and 3:00pm-7:30pm each day. Attendance is capped at each session to prevent overcrowding–the cap was reported to be 6,000 per session the last time LEGO came to town–and to allow families to experience as much of the show as possible with minimal wait times.
The LEGO KidsFest is truly meant to be an all-ages event, and I’m planning on attending with my children who range in age from 4 to 12. Activities run the gamut in terms of active engagement; you’ll find a museum with dozens of life-size models made from LEGO bricks, stations loaded with bricks for casual builders, and challenges intended to test the creative limits of the whole family.
My youngest is most looking forward to diving into the Big Brick Pile, which is exactly what you hope and dream it would be, and my 9-year-old is excited to flex her creative muscles and contribute to the Creation Nation exhibit (a giant map of the United States filled with custom builds done by attendees).
For those who have attended past LEGO KidsFest events, there are several new activities coming in the 2015 version of the show. We have few details, but expect entries from Mindstorms, Fusion, Disney Princess, Superheroes, and the Mixels as well as activities focused on The LEGO Movie. Vince Rubino, LEGO Events Manager, has this to say: “We’ve got a host of new activities as well as some areas we know are very popular with our fans. Not only will families create some new memories at the show, they’ll get another chance to flex and showcase their building skills.” One of the most interesting opportunities will surely be the opportunity to interact with official LEGO Master Builders; don’t miss the chance to learn the tips and tricks that can only come from a lifetime devoted to LEGO building.
Purchase tickets online from ShowClix. They are now advertising Limited Availability on Saturday, which means you probably need to act quickly if that’s the day you’re hoping to attend. Tickets will be available at the door as long as the session is not sold out. Children 2 and under are free, but you’ll pay roughly $20 per ticket for the rest of the family ($19.50 for children aged 3-17 and seniors, $22.50 for all others) which could add up quickly for an event you’re sure to want to bring everyone to. Make sure to bring money for snacks (expect ballpark prices) and the inevitable, enticing visit to the LEGO retail exhibit.
