The final pieces are coming together for Bricks by the Bay at Santa Clara Convention Center, billed as the largest Lego exhibition in the Bay Area.

Starting August 6, serious Lego enthusiasts will have the opportunity to attend a three-day convention with workshops and presentations, networking opportunities and a Lego marketplace. On August 9, the event will open to the public with two ballrooms featuring a variety of Lego creations, vendors and games.

“We have some incredible models lined up for display this year, including the 30-foot-long Mouse Guard exhibit created by ArchLUG,” said William Ward, founder and president of Bricks by the Bay. “It is being brought down from Seattle by Alice Finch, who is one of its principal builders and our guest of honor.”

Megan Rothrock, a former Lego designer who has published several Lego Adventure Book titles, will also be a presenter at the event.

In addition to the Mouse Guard exhibit and several other whimsical creations, a “monsters” theme this year will feature, dragons, aliens, zombies and a variety of other creatures.

A lifelong Lego fan, Ward created Bricks by the Bay in 2010 after he was inspired by similar events in Southern California, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The first Bricks by the Bay was held in Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley with an overwhelming attendance and coverage from local media.

“It’s exciting to see something that I helped create really take off,” Ward said. “Every year we expand the event and draw more and more people to the public show.”

Tickets for the public exhibition are $11.95 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets for the 4-day convention are sold separately. More Info