Master Builders to vie in competition for best creation based on Solvang’s best-known bakeries

After a successful inaugural event in 2025, Solvang will host its second annual Solvang Brick & Builds event the weekend of April 18 and 19.

Solvang Brick & Builds is a fun-filled weekend celebrating all things BRICK in the charming Danish village of Solvang, California! This immersive weekend celebration brings together professional builders, LEGO Master Builders, and brick enthusiasts from near and far. Guests can enjoy pro builder competitions, meet-and-greets, and expansive creative displays — perfect for seasoned builders and newcomers alike.

The expanded festival will include a two-day, public exhibition in the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, a new Youth Dedicated Builds Zone, two days of professional brick-building set amid Solvang’s fairy-tale architectural scenes, a town-wide Brick Quest Scavenger Hunt, and special Master Builders appearances and meet-and-greet opportunities. Also new to this year’s event weekend is a festival beer garden setup in Solvang Park, as well as live music performances, kid-focused brick building and coloring tents, and assorted vendors.

General Admission (excluding processing fees) to the event is as follows:

Ages 5 & under: Free
Ages 6–17: $10 online | $15 at the door
Adults 18+: $15 online | $20 at the door

Online links to purchase tickets can be found at https://solvangusa.com/solvang-brick-builds/

Building on the creativity of last year’s Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale–themed competition, this year’s Solvang Brick & Builds is introducing a new Danish bakery–themed building challenge for 2026. This year’s competitors include Tyler Strampp, an aerospace engineer known for precision-driven builds; “Brickrad” (Conrad Scoley), a social media creator and LEGO Star Wars aficionado; John Cooper (last year’s winner), community ambassador for SANDLUG (San Diego LEGO User Group); and Riley Blissmer, a custom builder and minifigure convention displayer celebrated for imaginative detail.

Also at the event is a strong lineup of Lego Master Builders.

Leading the lineup of Solvang Brick & Builds Master Builders is Allyson Gail, a Season 4 contestant on the FOX competition series LEGO Masters. Her work has been showcased at the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark, and at the BRICKACCINO Café, with her food-inspired creations also featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Brothers Brick, LEGO Magazine, and more.

Joining Allyson is LEGO artist Melanie Hernandez, her LEGO Masters Season 4 team partner and a familiar face on the brick-building scene.

Also appearing is Krystle Starr, two-time “LEGO Masters” winner and trailblazer as part of the first all-female team to win a global “LEGO Masters” title on “Australia vs. The World.” Beyond TV, Krystle leads hands-on LEGO workshops focused on creativity, healing, and connection.

Returning for a second year is Samuel Hatmaker, artist and “LEGO Masters” Season 1 finalist. With a background designing toys for Disney, Marvel, and Nickelodeon, Hatmaker’s brick-built art has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

New to the event is a Youth Dedicated Builds Showcase, designed especially for builders ages 12–17. This exciting new space will highlight original My Own Creations (MOCs) by young builders, giving them a dedicated platform to share their creativity and innovation with the public.

The Youth Brick Showcase is reserved for pre-registered youth builders only, with participation available through advance registration via the link below.

Saturday, April 18

Solvang Veterans Memorial Building (1745 Mission Drive)

10 a.m.: Venue Opens

12 p.m.: BRICKLINK Presentation

3 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Master Builders

4:00 p.m.: Venue Closes

Solvang Park (Mission Drive and 1st Street)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kids Brick Building Zone, activities, and vendors.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Pro Brick Building Competition

12 to 2 p.m.: Live DJ and beer garden by Solvang Brewing Company

4 p.m.: Venue Closes

Downtown Solvang

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Brick Quest Scavenger Hunt: Explore downtown Solvang, visit participating locations, and return to the Visitors Center (1639 Copenhagen Drive) for a brick-tastic keepsake.

Sunday, April 19

Solvang Veterans Memorial Building (1745 Mission Drive)

10 a.m.: Venue Opens

12 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Master Builders

3:30 p.m. Prizes announced

4:00 p.m. Venue Closes