For over a decade and a half, one event has stood as a cornerstone of the summer calendar for families in Port Stephens: Brickfest at the Bay.

What started as a shared passion between local residents Kevin and Angela has grown into New South Wales’ longest-running LEGO® Fan Event. Now celebrating its 16th annual show, Brickfest at the Bay remains a true labour of love. It isn’t just about the millions of bricks or the displays travelling from as far as Queensland; it’s about the spirit of the Port Stephens community.

Through a long-standing partnership with the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary, this event has turned a beloved hobby into a powerful fundraising force, ensuring that every creation on display helps build a better future for our local hospital.

Whether you are a serious collector, a “young at heart” builder, or a family looking for the perfect January outing, Rainbow Bricks invites you to step into a world of creativity and join them for a brick-tastic LEGO Fan Event.

Hi Kevin. For those who haven’t heard of Rainbow Bricks, can you tell us how it all began and what inspired you and Angela to start the group?

For me, it all began with a love for LEGO. I’ve always enjoyed the creativity and fun of building. Angela joined our four-year-old son and me in building, but she wanted to use brighter colours. I found some for us, and soon after, we organised the first Brickfest At The Bay with a friend in 2010. After that, people started asking us to organise more displays and events. A few years later, Angela suggested starting a group for builders who love using all the colours of the rainbow. We also noticed there wasn’t a community in our area for adult LEGO fans to connect and share their creations. We thought there must be others like us, so we started Rainbow Bricks LUG to create a space and community for everyone who shares our passion.

Rainbow Bricks has grown into a thriving community. What do you think it is about LEGO that brings people together so powerfully?

I think LEGO brings people together because it appeals to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Whether it’s a childhood memory or a current hobby, most people feel connected to it. It’s a great way to be creative and relax. When you see what someone else has built, you immediately share a common interest. Building together and knowing how much time goes into each creation really helps people bond.

You’ve been running Brickfest at the Bay for 15 years now—making it the longest-running LEGO Fan Event in NSW. What does it mean to reach this 16th event?

It’s really humbling! Running 16 events over 15 years in Anna Bay shows the level of support we receive from the local community. Being part of Rainbow Bricks means being part of that story. We now have over a hundred members from Newcastle, the Hunter, the Central Coast, and even Queensland. We welcome anyone who loves LEGO, regardless of skill level. It’s all about passion, not how good you are.

Brickfest at the Bay 2026 is just around the corner! What can visitors expect this year?

We have exhibitors coming from all over NSW and Queensland. You’ll see everything from detailed cityscapes and huge Star Wars displays to unique technical builds.

We’ve added even more interactive features this year, including:

The LEGO Build Area, where you can get hands-on with thousands of bricks.
We have added the Find-A-Minifigure scavenger hunt hidden throughout the displays.
A dedicated Colouring-In station for the younger fans.
LEGO Vendors with rare sets and parts for sale.
Marine Rescue Port Stephens will have a food van for breakfast and lunch, and a coffee van to help keep parents energised!

This event has a huge heart. Tell us about your partnership with the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary.

This is really why Angela and I run these events. All the profits from Brickfest at the Bay, A LEGO® Fan Event, go to the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary as they have since 2019. We want our hobby to make a real difference. Over the years, the money raised has helped the Auxiliary buy important equipment for our local hospital. It means a lot to us—it’s not just about LEGO, but about helping build a better, healthier community.

Can you share a memorable moment from a past Brickfest at the Bay?

There are so many great memories! Knowing his ticket helped a local patient—is what keeps us coming back year after year.

Rainbow Bricks is about collaboration. How do you foster that spirit?

We keep in touch online all year, but Brickfest is when everyone comes together to collaborate. It’s a big team effort. We plan group projects in which members work together on a single large display. This helps create a welcoming space where every builder, regardless of age, feels appreciated.

For those visiting in January who leave totally inspired, what’s your advice for getting started?

Just start building! Don’t worry about making mistakes or trying new things. Look at what others have made for inspiration, but let your own ideas stand out. If you want to join a group like ours, come talk to us at the event or reach out to Rainbow Bricks LUG online. We’re always looking for new members who share our passion. The best way to grow is to build with others who love LEGO as much as you do.

📅 Dates & Logistics

Dates: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th January 2026
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Daily
Venue: Anna Bay Public School, 191 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/DEZBD

💰 Pricing

Individual: $10.00 (Aged 3 and over)
Family Pass: $35.00 (2 Adults/2 Children OR 1 Adult/3 Children)
Charity Impact: 100% of profits donated to Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary.

🎮 Interactive Features

LEGO Build Area: A massive hands-on zone with thousands of bricks for all ages.
Find-A-Minifigure: A signature scavenger hunt hidden within the displays.
Colouring-In: A dedicated creative station for younger builders.
LEGO Vendors: Stalls featuring new, retired, and rare sets/parts for sale.

🍔 Food & Amenities

Marine Rescue Port Stephens: On-site food van serving breakfast and lunch.
Coffee Van: Fresh coffee available all day.