While we’re all at home quarantining or isolating or, as the case may be, baking and eating everything in the house, there’s not much point in writing about travel. We have no idea when we’ll be able to travel again, or if we’ll even want to once we can. So I’m looking for ways to get global from home. Here’s one.

LEGO globe - Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con

I am a LEGO nerd. Always have been. I love building models from a big kit, or going freestyle with a big bucket of bricks. It was a solitary thing for me when I was a kid, but nowadays, even with a broad stay at home order, there are ways to get social with your brick building.

Chicago-based Brickworld, which regularly hosts LEGO Expos throughout the Midwest, is offering a variety of online options to engage, encourage and inspire LEGO fans and their families at home during COVID-19 lockdowns, including the Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con, how-to video demonstrations and a Make-A-Wish fundraiser.

Virtual LEGO Con

The Brickworld LEGO Virtual Con will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 12 noon-6 p.m. ET. Using Zoom rooms, participants can show their own creations to others as well as experts, including Boone, Jessica, Sam and Mark, finalists from the “LEGO Masters” TV series. Viewers can also ask questions of participating builders, visit vendors to browse and purchase a variety of products, and join different display rooms, including a Great Ball Contraption (one of the hosts is in Australia), the Jurassic Roller Coaster, a large amusement park with moving rides, a giant transparent castle, some massive spaceships, and Elvendale, the land of elves and dragons, which will include a tutorial on how to build LEGO fish. Families are encouraged to come to the computer with their creations to receive feedback and encouragement. Tickets to this unique event are only $5 per device, and are limited.

Asian street scene made from LEGO - Brickworld Virtual LEGO Con

Super Robo Rally

Part of the Brickworld Virtual Con is Super Robo Rally, a super-sized programming game using one-foot tall LEGO robots on a 19×30-foot board made entirely of LEGO baseplates and bricks. Players will use a simple web interface to input their commands then watch live as the robots move around the field according to their instructions. To participate in this game, players must register in advance to receive a password and instructions on how to play before the game begins. Viewers can watch the game by entering that Zoom room.

LEGO downtown with train - Brickworld Virtual LEGO Con

DIY Videos

Brickworld is also presenting helpful how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. The first installment is “Building Round Part One” and future videos will feature Truss Bridge Building and other architectural tutorials. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds, giveaways and other virtual events.

The Brickworld team hopes to raise at least $1000 for their longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish America. With a donation of any size before April 30, the organization can continue to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Brickworld LLC is a private company that is not associated with the LEGO Group of companies. Brickworld operates expositions and conventions dedicated to LEGO enthusiasts and to supporting the creative community. For details, call 317-572-LEGO (5346) or visit Brickworld.com.