BLINK

October 8-11, 2026

The nation’s largest immersive art event, BLINK, lights up the Cincy Region for 4 days every other year. This engaging celebration of art and light is family-friendly, free, and welcomes everyone to bask in its glow.

BLINK is for the people. By the artists.

BLINK is a celebration that nurtures community and connection through public art. The 2026 festival features 92 artists from 20 different countries that will create a living, breathing event that you really have to see to believe. Spanning 30+ city blocks through the urban core of Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky, BLINK brings the region to life in unexpected ways.

See familiar murals, buildings, and other landmarks in a new light when they are suddenly animated and aglow. Organized into easily navigated zones, you’ll be able to journey through a zone, walk to and from zones (or take transportation like the streetcar) and traverse bridges to move between Covington and Cincinnati to see all that BLINK has to offer.

Experience BLINK

BLINK is a pedestrian event where you can walk as much or as little as you would like. Strollers are strongly recommended with little ones, and the organizers request that your pets are left at home. You’ll have 4 nights to explore the installations and enjoy all the experiences BLINK brings. The best way to plan your course through BLINK is to keep it loose. We recommend picking out a zone or two for a night, parking somewhere centrally located to those, and then wandering with the crowd!  This is a freeform event, with surprises around every corner. Walk the city at your own pace, and soak in the beauty that is BLINK.

Maps and Zones

As the event gets closer more information will be released on BLINK’s website including the installation map, details about any special installations and live entertainment that may be happening. Otherwise, each night will feature the same shows and art installations, which allows the freedom to pick the nights and zones that work best for you.

More information will also be released about pop-up markets as well as hospitality and food truck locations throughout the festival footprint.

BLINK Kickoff Event

New this year is "Ready, Set, BLINK!", an evolution of the traditional parade kick-off. On Thursday, Oct. 8th from 4-9pm the area around TQL Stadium will transform into an immersive block party with live music and activities. There will be interactive installations and opportunities to create your own wearable light art.

BLINK Parking and Transportation

An important step in preparing for BLINK is figuring out how you will get there. There will be street closings and crowds impacting traffic flow. Since BLINK is so walkable, plan to park your car and leave it where it is for the night.

The Connector Streetcar in Cincinnati is fare free every day and a great option for navigating to the event. 

TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) and Cincinnati’s Metro bus services are another great option for getting around during BLINK. The Southbank Shuttle runs a loop through Covington, Cincinnati and Newport.

GEST Carts offer FREE transportation in a limited radius. Bring cash to tip your driver! Uber and Lyft also operate in the Cincy Region.

Park in Cincinnati with multiple garage and lot options. 

Park in Covington multiple garage or lot options, or metered parking on open streets.

Start Planning Now

Now that you are a BLINK expert it's time to start planning your trip. Begin by booking your home base for all your BLINK adventures. Then check out some of our other exciting arts and cultural experiences to see during the day.