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From Living Rooms to the Douro: The BrickMarket Story
It began with a shared obsession. Six strangers, connected only by their love for LEGO® and a Facebook group called “Comunidade LEGO”, decided to turn their hobby into something bigger. Their first meetup in Baguim do Monte was small, with a few tables, some spare parts, and a lot of enthusiasm. Fast forward to 16 March 2025, and that same energy filled the sprawling WOW Porto complex in Vila Nova de Gaia, where 15,000 people flocked to what had become Portugal’s premier LEGO® flea market.
A Market Built for Fans, By Fans
BrickMarket wasn’t your average flea market. With 34 sellers spread across the venue, attendees could hunt for retired sets, discover custom creations, and snag hard-to-find minifigures, nmall while soaking in the breathtaking view of the Douro River. The atmosphere was electric: parents introducing their kids to the joys of brick-building, collectors haggling over rare finds, and builders swapping tips on their latest MOCs (My Own Creations).
The location was no accident. WOW Porto, a cultural hub with 55,000 square meters of space, offered the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor areas. Stalls lined the terraces, where the golden autumn light reflected off the river, making even the most seasoned collectors pause to appreciate the scenery. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best LEGO® hauls come with a side of stunning views.
Why BrickMarket Stands Out
What makes BrickMarket special isn’t just the sheer volume of bricks, it’s the community behind it. This event was built for fans, by fans. The original six friends from “Comunidade LEGO®” never imagined their casual swap meets would evolve into a full-blown phenomenon. But when you combine passion, a prime location, and a shared love for all things LEGO®, magic happens.
Visitors didn’t just come to shop; they came to connect. Strangers bonded over missing pieces, kids traded minifigures like baseball cards, and builders of all ages found inspiration in the creations on display. It was a marketplace, a social event, and a celebration of creativity rolled into one.
brick.news: Fueling the Fun
As the main sponsor, brick.news was thrilled to support an event that embodies everything we love about the LEGO® community. We believe in the power of bricks to bring people together, and BrickMarket proved that a simple idea, shared by a few friends on Facebook, can grow into something extraordinary.
The Numbers Tell the Story
15,000 attendees. 34 sellers. One unforgettable day. The success of BrickMarket is a testament to the enduring appeal of LEGO® and the strength of Portugal’s AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO®) scene. Events like this don’t just happen, they’re built, piece by piece, by people who refuse to let the fun stay in the box.
What’s Next for BrickMarket?
The team behind BrickMarket isn’t resting on their laurels. With plans to expand, maybe even beyond Porto, this might just be the beginning. If you missed out, keep an eye on brick.news for updates on the next market. Who knows? The next rare set you’ve been hunting could be waiting for you at a BrickMarket near you.
So, tell us, what’s the rarest LEGO® find you’ve ever scored at a flea market?
