Have you heard of LEGO User Groups (LUG)? Maybe not directly by name, but if you have ever been to a LEGO Fan Event, it was more than likely hosted by your local LUG. Last weekend, we attended BrickBuilt Sydney, hosted by Sydney LUG and celebrating its 5th birthday. It was also the 3rd time we were supporting EG Nefarious as an exhibitor – very cool in itself. 

These events are ‘affiliated’ with LEGO. However, they are almost always run by volunteers; fans of LEGO, both young and old. For BrickBuilt Sydney, it’s a great opportunity for the group to show off their serious creative flair while raising funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. 

LEGO Lingo

If you’re going to head to a LEGO Fan Expo like BrickBuilt, you’re going to need to know some lingo. 

• LUG – LEGO User Group. Collective groups of fans who love LEGO and creating their own designs. If you’ve ever watched LEGO Masters, many of the participants are members of LUGs or will join a LUG afterwards simply to be with their flock.
• MOC – My Own Creation. Anything you create with LEGO that is not from an official LEGO set. 
• AFOL – Adult Fan of LEGO. Because this is not simply a ‘toy for kids’. Seriously, after the fame of Nathan Sawaya’s Art of the Brick and the hit international show, LEGO Masters, are we still pulling this BS? LEGO is for all ages. 
• Dark Ages – that time period when LEGO fans set aside their LEGO for other non-LEGO pursuits. Common during the teen years and early 20s, followed by the grief in our 30s and 40s when we learn of our parents’ Big Clean Out.
• Illegal builds – anything that is not following the usual connection between LEGO bricks, but especially if it puts undue stress on LEGO bricks. Do not recommend for Brown Bricks. Ever
• Brown Bricks – notorious for vulnerability. Anytime a LUG member sees an awesome MOC with Brown Bricks, there is a level of sympathy and understanding that you will NEVER take the build apart because you are likely to break many of the Brown Bricks. It’s a known fault with LEGO – something about the colour makes the brick brittle. Includes pirate ships, trains, and bonsai trees.

Where Do I Find a LUG?

If you’re looking to join your local LUG, the internet is your friend. You can also check social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram. Many creators love to share their work on Instagram, supporting the community of other creators along the way. Start with searching your local town or region with LUG. Ours is easy: Sydney LUG. 

You can also search for a LUG near you with the LEGO Ambassador Network (LAN) website here. You can find your local region through the interactive map. It has a directory of the recognised LEGO communities all around the world: AFOL Middle East, All Blocks LEGO User Group NZ, ALE! in Spain, and so many more. 

And Then I Can Go to a LEGO Fan Event?

Once you find your local LUG, check out their website or social media channel for upcoming events. For example, even with BrickBuilt Sydney just last weekend, Sydney LUG is already prepping for the next event at Croydon Park on 21 June. All the details are on their website here. 

Highlights from BrickBuilt Sydney 2026

Every ‘Brick Event’ is different, depending on your local members. However, many of them also travel to participate in events interstate. We saw a few Queenslanders at BrickBuilt Sydney, and many of the others have previously travelled to Melbourne and Canberra. It’s always exciting to see the creativity but what I love most is the interaction with the creators themselves. Everyone is so happy to be there, and most of them are so excited to talk about their favourite passion: LEGO. We’ve been attending most years since 2013, and the vibe has always been the same: welcoming. Here are the highlights for 2026:

LEGO is possibly one of the most inclusive toys and art mediums I have ever come across. It continues to be an outlet for creative minds, cultural expression, and social bonding. If you have the chance to visit a LEGO Fan Expo, do it. Take the time to see the displays and meet the creators. I can’t wait to go again next year. 

Categories: General Evil Genius

Tagged as: art events family lego

Evil Genius Mum

Evil Genius Mum
- Taking over the world, one blog post at a time