LEGO Fans Near and Far Have a Few Exciting Upcoming Events to Experience
Writer / Ryan Gabbert
Photography Provided
LEGO, the worldwide phenomenon and cultural icon, has entertained both children and adults alike for generations. As it continues to grow in popularity, people are finding new ways to to experience it. LEGOs allow everyone to create new worlds, reimagine old ones, or build their favorite piece of pop culture in stunning detail.
These little plastic bricks are responsible for hours of fun and are always fueled by a constructive and creative spirit. It certainly has to be one of the world’s most practical hobbies.
For Doug Davis, LEGOs are less of a hobby and more of a way of life. Starting at 3 years old, he began playing with and collecting LEGOs and never looked back. “I have always played with LEGOs, from early childhood all the way up to now, so it’s been a lifelong obsession,” Davis said.
Opening his store, It’s A Block Party, in 2014, Davis turned his passion into a business. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade, it’s a one-stop shop for anything and everything related to LEGOs. The shop has something for everyone, from simple $5 sets for kids up to complex scale models of some of the world’s wonders, and there is truly something there for all.
One of the marquee items on display is the massive and fully functional Geonosis Droid Factory set, which even the casual “Star Wars” fans out there will recognize from “Episode II.” This set is highly prized by Davis and the staff, not just for its scale, complexity and moving parts, but also for the effect it has on customers. People are instantly drawn to it and inspired to create their own masterpieces.
For Davis, what makes It’s A Block Party unique is not the inventory, but the staff.
In the age of big-box stores and national chains, having a shop that is locally owned and operated is special. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and will do everything within their power to help find whatever LEGO-related item the customer needs.
For those looking to sell or trade, the staff will provide helpful and honest customer service to bring about a positive outcome. Even those tubs of mismatched LEGOs sitting in the basement can find a home here, as the team is always in need of additional spare parts.
“We have fantastic people who will guide you through anything LEGO, and they love it,” Davis said. “That’s the key thing. Nobody there hates their job. They all love their job.”
When Davis isn’t making someone’s LEGO dreams come true, he is often traveling the country attending shows for anything that is LEGO related. As much a fan as a businessman, he attends every convention or showcase he can.
While It’s A Block Party might be the best permanent LEGO option for Hoosiers, this spring there are two events guaranteed to thrill fans of all ages.
From January 20 to May 12, Towers of Tomorrow With LEGO Bricks will be at the Indiana State Museum, and is a must-see for all LEGO enthusiasts. It features 20 highly detailed and accurate models of some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, constructed by none other than Australia’s Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught. McNaught is one of only 21 LEGO Certified Professionals around the world, and his nickname is well-earned.
In addition to this, there are also multiple hands-on construction zones where attendees can create their own architectural marvels from over 200,000 loose LEGO bricks.
And there’s more. On March 16 and 17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, LEGO fans will have the opportunity to see more than 65,000 square feet of LEGO magic, all built by local LEGO masters including Davis and his friends from It’s A Block Party. Brickworld Indianapolis promises to be an outstanding event with fun for the whole family.
Attendees will have the opportunity to buy new sets, collectibles, mini figures and accessories, as well as participate in some interactive activities. There is even a graffiti wall for those who are artistically inclined.
LEGO fans have a lot to be excited about over the next few months with these two events. Both Brickworld and Towers of Tomorrow With LEGO Bricks are set to be thrilling experiences for all LEGO enthusiasts. For Davis and the team at It’s A Block Party, the fun doesn’t stop there. They are committed to being the ultimate destination for LEGO-loving Hoosiers for years to come, and are proud of the experience they give to every customer who walks through their doors.
If you want more information about It’s A Block Party, visit itsablockparty.com, call 317-494-5248, or visit the store at 2220 East Southport Road in Indianapolis. For more information on Towers of Tomorrow With LEGO Bricks, visit indianamuseum.org/experiences/towers-of-tomorrow-with-lego-bricks.
For more information on Brickworld and a full list of vendors, check out brickworld.com/brickworld-indianapolis.
