State Watch

‘Barbie Dream Fest’ event drawing backlash from attendees

by Rob Taub - 04/01/26 7:35 AM ET

NOW PLAYING

(NewsNation) — A Barbie event in Florida is drawing criticism from those who attended because of false advertising from promotional posts on social media.

“Barbie Dream Fest” had promoted the event to feature a Barbie fashion show, A-list speakers, meet-and-greets, workshops, interactive exhibits, games, screenings and yoga. Instead, guests were met with vast concrete-floored spaces sparsely furnished with pink and white traffic cones and flimsy cardboard-looking sets.

“Concrete gray floors, gray walls, gray ceiling,” attendee Tara Brooks said of the event. “I didn’t fully know what to expect, but it felt like being just trapped in a big, dark warehouse.”

The three-day event was organized by Mischief Management, which oversees events such as BroadwayCon. Barbie manufacturer Mattel acknowledged that Mischief licensed the Barbie brand for the event.

Mischief Management also listed ticket prices starting at $149 for adult admission, rising to $449.

“It just makes me laugh, because if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry,” added Brenna Miller, another attendee, “I keep seeing people like saying, ‘Oh, this was for kids.’ Adults are upset because they signed up for a kid event.”

“If you look at the promotional material that they use, it is adults roller skating … it’s adults dancing. It is adults. We’re the ones that are spending the money,” she added. “Children don’t have $450.”

Mischief Management informed attendees that it is issuing full refunds for any tickets sold.

“Mischief Management is incredibly grateful to everyone who joined Barbie Dream Fest,” the organization wrote in a statement. “Bringing fans together — alongside Barbie role models, designers, partners, and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie — was at the heart of this event. Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world.”

Add as preferred source on Google