The first ever Barbie Dream Fest, taking place March 27–29, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Barbie lovers: You don’t have to wait for Margot Robbie to make a sequel. The next best thing is coming to Fort Lauderdale this weekend: The inaugural Barbie Dream Fest, Friday through Sunday.
Put on your cutest pink outfit and channel your inner child at this event that’s 100% dedicated to the iconic Mattel doll. Think immersive experiences, activations, and exhibits exploring six decades of her legacy and evolution.
Friday night bonus: a screening of the 2023 blockbuster, with Robbie as the star suffering from an existential crisis who ventures into the real world with her beau Ken (Ryan Gosling).
Not to miss for the ‘Gram are a fashion show, ‘80s style roller rink and, naturally, a lifesize Barbie Dream House.
Also expect some pretty awesome, famous people in attendance on Saturday, including tennis legend Serena Williams, WNBA baller Angel Reese and Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actor to win an Oscar for 1986’s “Children of a Lesser God.” They’ll be signing autographs, taking selfies, and participating in moderated discussions about inclusivity, access and diversity.
Marlee Matlin Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb
“It feels like one of those events where joy, creativity and purpose all come together in one place, particularly as they pertain to women and girls,” Matlin told the Miami Herald via email on why she wanted to participate.
“When you create spaces where people of all backgrounds can see themselves reflected, that’s powerful,” she said. “I want to be part of that. Beyond the fun, there’s also a deeper message about individuality and dreaming big.”
Matlin knows a little about dreaming big.
After her huge Oscar win, she went on to star in such popular TV shows as “Reasonable Doubts,” “Picket Fences” and “The Practice.” An unforgettable guest role in “Seinfeld” — aiding and abetting George by lip-reading what his ex is saying about him — earned her an Emmy nomination.
These days, the “I’ll Scream Later” author still stays active in the biz, attending the Oscars earlier this month, and meeting with the acting nominees.
“All the movies this year definitely deserved their nominations, and I was happy to see that international films also received Best Picture nominations,” she said, referring to Brazil’s “The Secret Agent” and Norway’s “Sentimental Value.” “This year’s selection showed a real range of storytelling, which is always encouraging, and I hope we continue to see more of it.”
The Chicago native, 60, is also the subject of a new documentary about her inspiring journey, “Not Alone Anymore,” streaming on PBS, Amazon and Apple TV.
“I’m very proud of my director, Shoshannah Stern, who is deaf herself,” Matlin said. “She was able to pull out all the important milestones in my life.”
Matlin, who lives in L.A., typically communicates using American Sign Language, which is then translated into spoken English by her longtime interpreter.
“Barbie Dream Fest is all about celebrating real-life role models who embody Barbie’s message that you can be anything — and Marlee Matlin is the definition of that spirit,” said Melissa Anelli, CEO of Mischief Management, the fest’s organizer. “Her groundbreaking career, advocacy, and impact make her an incredibly powerful addition to our very first festival, and we’re honored to have her join us.”
If you go
What: Barbie Dream Fest
When: Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
Where: Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
Tickets: Single-day passes start at $33 for kids ages 3-12 and $72 adults.
More info: www.barbiedreamfest.com
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.