BuWizz Gathering 2026 brought LEGO® Technic builders, remote-controlled model enthusiasts, families, and fans together for a full weekend of competitions and social activities in Slovenia.
Held on Saturday and Sunday, July 11–12, 2026, the gathering combined indoor racing in Idrija with outdoor challenges in the scenic setting of Idrijska Bela. The official program described it as an international two-day AFOL meetup featuring competitions, conferences, prizes, socializing, and activities suitable for different age groups.
For us, the experience was about more than watching fast models. It was also an opportunity to meet other builders, inspect creative mechanical designs, enjoy the surrounding nature, and spend a relaxed summer weekend in one of Slovenia’s quieter regions.
BuWizz Gathering 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | BuWizz Gathering 2026 |
| Dates | July 11–12, 2026 |
| Main location | Idrijska Bela, Slovenia |
| Indoor location | Idrija Primary School |
| Format | Two-day international AFOL gathering |
| Main activities | LEGO Technic competitions, socializing, round table, barbecue and awards |
| Recommended accommodation | Hotel Jožef in Idrija |
| Our accommodation | Kendov Dvorec in Spodnja Idrija |
The organizers expected approximately 30 competitors from countries including the United States, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Croatia and Spain.
Where Did BuWizz Gathering 2026 Take Place?
The event was divided between two main locations.
- Idrija Primary School Grounds: Morning Openings & MOD Competitions;
- Idrijska Bela River Spot: Trial Truck, Buggies & Relaxation.
The indoor races and official opening were held at Idrija Primary School at Lapajnetova ulica 50 in Idrija. The outdoor competitions, barbecue and leisure activities took place at the gathering’s main base in Idrijska Bela.
This split worked particularly well because each location suited a different type of model. The school offered a smooth, controlled surface for the faster racing categories.
Idrijska Bela provided a completely different environment. The outdoor courses used grass, gravel, tree roots, slopes and artificial obstacles, creating more demanding conditions for off-road vehicles and trial trucks.
Between heats, attendees relaxed by the water, enjoyed iced drinks, and swapped building tips under the shade of the trees.
What Happened During the Weekend?
Saturday: Indoor Racing and the Move to Idrijska Bela
Saturday began with the official opening in Idrija at 9:00 a.m. The Trophy Truck competition followed at 10:00 a.m., while the BuWizz MOD competition was scheduled for noon. After the lunch break, the program moved to Idrijska Bela for the Unlimited off-road competition at 5:00 p.m. and the evening picnic and barbecue at 8:00 p.m.
The transition between the school and the outdoor site gave the first day plenty of variety. One part of the day focused on controlled speed and close racing, while the second placed the models on a more natural and unpredictable course.
Sunday: Buggy Racing, Trial Trucks and Awards
Sunday started with the Buggy Racers competition at 9:00 a.m. The Trial Truck event followed at 11:00 a.m., with a round-table discussion at 1:00 p.m. and the award ceremony at 2:00 p.m. The official program ended at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Beyond the competition tracks, the event featured a Saturday evening barbecue picnic by the river and an open round-table discussion on Sunday before the official award ceremony.
Event Highlights & Action
The official 2026 program featured five competition categories.
1. 42205 BuWizz MOD Competition
A standardized field featuring modified official LEGO® sets allowed newcomers and veterans to battle on an even mechanical playing field. The official rules allowed differences in brick colors, lubrication and custom stickers.
Because the models shared a common mechanical foundation, performance depended heavily on preparation, control and driving accuracy rather than simply building the most powerful vehicle.
2. Unlimited Off-Road Race
The Unlimited competition used a course combining faster sections with difficult terrain. Each model completed a lap individually while an assigned spotter tracked progress and penalties while builders pushed BuWizz 3.0 Pro units and BuWizz Motors to their torque limits.
This was one of the most visually interesting parts of the gathering because the models had to deal with surfaces that could not be perfectly predicted in advance.
3. Trophy Truck Competition
The Trophy Truck race combined a foam track, smooth stone and jumps of up to approximately 10 centimeters. Around four competitors could race simultaneously over ten laps.
Compared with the slower trial categories, this race placed greater emphasis on acceleration, cornering and staying stable after jumps.
4. Buggy Racers
The buggy course included dirt sections and ramps with drops reaching approximately 30 centimeters. Around four models competed together over several laps, creating some of the weekend’s fastest and most unpredictable racing.
5. Trial Truck Competition
The Trial Truck category focused less on outright speed and more on accuracy and maneuverability. As in the Off-Road Race, the Heavy 6×6 and 8×8 chassis tackled rocky riverbanks and balancing platforms, with gates limited to 25 centimeters in width.
More Than a Racing Event
One of the strongest features of BuWizz Gathering 2026 was the informal atmosphere between competitions.
Builders had time to examine one another’s models, compare technical solutions and discuss motors, gearing, suspension and control systems. Adults, teenagers and younger visitors all appeared to participate, making the event feel more like a community weekend than a formal trade show.
The official admission package also included bottled water, non-alcoholic drinks and one barbecue dinner. Competitor tickets included race participation, while spectators could attend the events and evening barbecue under a separate ticket category.
Where to Stay for BuWizz Gathering
The Organizers’ Recommendation: Hotel Jožef
The BuWizz team recommended Hotel Jožef and also indicated that transfers from Idrija to the event would be provided.
Hotel Jožef is a four-star boutique hotel at Vojkova ulica 9a in Idrija. Its listed facilities include an on-site restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, free private parking, air-conditioned rooms, minibars and private bathrooms. It is located approximately one kilometer from central Idrija.
For attendees who want to stay close to the official meeting points and use the organized transfer, Hotel Jožef is the most straightforward option.
Why We Chose Kendov Dvorec Instead
Although Hotel Jožef was the recommended accommodation, we chose Kendov Dvorec in nearby Spodnja Idrija.
Kendov Dvorec is a five-star Relais & Châteaux property housed in the restored former Kenda homestead. The history of the estate dates back to 1377, and the hotel emphasizes regional heritage, traditional design, local cuisine and a quieter countryside atmosphere.
Its restaurant uses traditional regional recipes and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The hotel specifically highlights Idrija-area dishes such as žlikrofi, bakalca, bati, ajmoht and štruklji.
For our trip, Kendov Dvorec made the BuWizz weekend feel like a more complete Slovenian getaway rather than simply an overnight stay near the competition. Visitors choosing Kendov Dvorec should therefore confirm their own transportation arrangements.
BuWizz Gathering 2026 vs. BuWizz Gathering 2025
The basic formula remained consistent across both years: indoor competitions in Idrija, outdoor races in Idrijska Bela, a Saturday barbecue, a Sunday award ceremony and a strong emphasis on international participation.
| Feature | BuWizz 2025 | BuWizz 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Officially listed dates | July 18–20, 2025 | July 11–12, 2026 |
| MOD category | Modified 42176 Porsche 911 GT3 R | Modified 42205 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray |
| Hardware Focus | BuWizz 3.0 Pro & early Micro Motor debuts | Heavy reliance on high-torque BuWizz Motor configurations & Micro Motor integration |
| Indoor racing | 1:12 Racers | Trophy Truck |
| Outdoor categories | Unlimited, Buggy Racers and Truck Trial | Unlimited, Buggy Racers and Trial Truck |
| Overall Vibe | Extended 3-day summer meet | Concentrated 2-day high-intensity competition and social weekend |
| Saturday evening | Barbecue and Sumo Bot exhibition | Picnic and barbecue |
| Competitor ticket structure | €40 super early bird, €50 early bird, €80 regular | €50 early bird, €60 regular, €80 late ticket, plus VAT where stated |
| Spectator ticket | €20 plus VAT | €20 plus VAT |
Overall, the 2026 edition appears to have preserved the successful structure of the previous gathering while refreshing the model-specific categories and refining the trial competition.
Practical Tips for a Future BuWizz Gathering
- Bring more than one model whenever possible. A vehicle prepared for an indoor foam track may not be suitable for roots, gravel and grass.
- Pack repair parts and tools. Outdoor racing can place considerable stress on suspension components, axles and bodywork—the rocky terrain at Idrijska Bela is notoriously tough on custom gearboxes!
- Wear appropriate shoes. The Idrijska Bela courses are set on natural terrain rather than a level exhibition floor.
- Allow time for both locations. The program may require moving between Idrija and Idrijska Bela on the same day.
- Book accommodation early. The gathering attracts international visitors, while the immediate area has fewer hotels than a major city.
- Leave time to enjoy the surroundings. Swimming, walking by the river and relaxing near the barbecue area are part of what makes the gathering memorable.
Is BuWizz Gathering Worth Attending?
BuWizz Gathering 2026 was not the largest LEGO-related event, but that was part of its appeal. It felt personal, practical and community-focused.
Attendees stood by the tracks, peering at the models, and interacting directly with their builders. Kids watched the races and swam nearby, while seasoned enthusiasts brainstormed ideas for increasingly complex remote-controlled models.
With indoor races in Idrija, outdoor challenges in Idrijska Bela, a friendly barbecue, and two very different accommodation options nearby, the BuWizz Gathering 2026 offered us much more than just a competition. It was an unforgettable summer weekend built around creativity, engineering, and a shared enthusiasm for making LEGO Technic models go faster and work better.
