FAQs

BLINK® will take place October 17 -20, 2024. BLINK spans 30+ city blocks from Findlay Market in Cincinnati to Covington in Northern Kentucky.

BLINK uses our great cities as the canvas to host artists, with that in mind, you will be able to use public transportation, METRO and TANK, to get to the different zones. We will be posting a BLINK Accessibility Map soon with accessible pathways that use our city’s infrastructure to most easily navigate to each installation. BLINK’s Accessibility Map will also include: Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-Up areas in each zone, Mobility Device Charging Stations, Parking information and more.

We are also currently developing the BLINK 2024 Accessibility FAQ will also be posted soon with detailed information and many answered questions so you can plan your experience with us. Check back soon.

If you would like to request a Braille program for BLINK, please email: Access@blinkcincinnati.com. Requests must be received by September 15th, 2024 to allow time for printing.

If you have specific questions regarding BLINK accessibility, please email our Accessibility Director, Holly Maniatty of ALL IN EVENTS at: Access@blinkcincinnati.com.

BLINK® is the nation’s largest immersive event. This awe-inspiring free, public art event takes place over four nights in the urban core of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with large-scale projection mapping, media light, interactive light sculptures, murals, and more by local, national and international artists.

On Thursday, October 17, 2024 the opening ceremony and parade begins after sundown at 8pm EST. Participants will light up the streets in illuminated costumes, carrying lighted props, puppets & luminous sculptures, and making music as they travel the streets. Details on start/end time and route will be shared as we get closer to the event.

With a few exceptions, each night will feature the same shows and art installations. The live entertainment may vary each night.

No - BLINK is completely free and open to the public!

The only ticketed part of the event is our first official after party --> the afterglow: The Official BLINK After Party featuring Austin Millz. This will be held the night of Saturday, October 19 at MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport. You can purchase your tickets linked here.

Trained Service Animals are welcome with their handlers at BLINK. Due to the large crowds, we encourage you to leave pets and all other animals at home.

If you have questions about bringing your service animal to BLINK, please please email our Accessibility Director, Holly Maniatty of ALL IN EVENTS at: Access@blinkcincinnati.com.

Yes – food will be available in multiple locations.

Yes – wine, beer, and liquor will be available in multiple locations.

Yes – non-alcoholic beverages will be available in multiple locations.

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages accept both cash and credit card payments. However, some food vendors may be cash only.

All parking garages outside of the BLINK footprint will be open at event pricing.

Rides on METRO and TANK are also an option during BLINK.

In addition, this year we are partnering with LAZ Parking, which is offering RESERVED parking spaces at select locations. Please CLICK HERE to RESERVE your spot today! Once you purchase your reserved parking pass, there will be a button on the confirmation page to view your pass, as well as in a confirmation email that you will receive.

Please note that parking passes are location specific - depending on where you purchase the parking, the redemption instructions will be exclusive to that parking location. Please also note that if you stay longer than your reservation, you will be charged for additional time.

For a list of other parking options, we recommend visiting the below resources to help with planning!

https://www.lazparking.com/

https://www.visitcincy.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/

You can walk between installations. On the Cincinnati side, take the streetcar and exit at each stop to view installations. Streetcar ridership is free. Keep an eye out for our Event Map which will be released closer to the event, as we will be suggesting paths.

No. City streets within the BLINK footprint are closed to automobiles. The best way to enjoy BLINK is by foot!

We encourage folks to enjoy strolling the event over multiple days. This year, we are suggesting walking paths which are noted on our event map.

Yes, there will be open public restrooms throughout the footprint. Some business will choose to open their doors for guests as well. Please be respectful of individual businesses hours and rules.

Some options:

Visit the Music Hall Ballroom. Live music performed nightly on the 1927 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ 7-10 p.m. Music Hall botanical model on display. Free admission. Restrooms open and concessions available for purchase.

No. Most displays are between 3-8 mins in length and are on a continuous loop, so you can arrive at any time. Any specific showtime or presentation will be announced and shared as we get closer to the event.

You do not. Part of the magic of BLINK is discovering new corners of the city and choosing your own adventure. BLINK is divided into neighborhood zones. You can build your own curated experience by selecting which zone you'd like to start, and which zone you'd like to end.

We recommend taking your BLINK visit slower and visiting 1-2 zones during a visit and returning for more than one night!

Yes! We have two map viewing options available.

1. PRINTABLE VIEWS are on our Maps and Guides page. This allows you to download and print the full BLINK map, covering all 80+ installations, as well as print each of our 6 neighborhood zone maps. PRO BLINK TIP --> download these files for easy reference on your phone during the event.

2. DYNAMIC MAP VIEW (linked) is also an option. This view allows you to click into each zone, view details about each installation, get on our trailheads, and enjoy a more detailed view. PRO BLINK TIP --> use this view as you are walking the event.

No, Blink is a free event hosted by The Cincinnati Chamber of commerce to celebrate art and the beautiful city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Yes. There are several Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-Up locations throughout the entire festival. These drop-off and pick-up points are located near or at road closures for the event. They are intended for those patrons that have a Government-Issued Accessible Parking Placard or Plate.

When you approach the drop-off and pick-up location, please do so slowly. There will be a CPD officer at the intersection, make sure your placard or plate is clearly visible. Disembark your vehicle safely and allow the driver to exit by proceeding on the nearest open street to a parking area to meet you after they have parked, following the direction of CPD.

The Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-Up Locations are listed here by zone.

** BLINK Pro-Tip: Click on the locations above and add them to your Google Map on your phone so you have quick access to them even if your cell service is spotty

Findlay Market Zone:

Central Parkway and West Elder

Vine St and Liberty St.

Over the Rhine Zone:

Vine St and Liberty St.

13th St. and Vine St.

Downtown Zone

Garfield Pl. and Race St.

E 3rd & Walnut St.

The Banks Zone

W. Freedom Way & Rosa Parks St.

Covington Zone

East 3rd St. and Scott St.

148 Riverside Pl.

East 7th and Scott St

Newport Zone

1 Levee Way

If you have questions about the parking or the drop-off points, please email HOLLY@ALLINEVENTS.CO.

There is no dedicated standard or accessible parking for Blink as it happens across many neighborhoods and street blocks. That being said there are many parking areas that will be open, pay to park, in each zone of the festival.

There is an option to reserve parking, to explore that option please go to:

https://www.blinkcincinnati.com/reserve-parking

If you are looking for other parking options, here are some resources: https://www.lazparking.com/ andhttps://www.visitcincy.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/

PLEASE NOTE: The elevator on Rosa Parks St is not in-service. After Thursday’s parade, if you would like to view the installations that are in Smale Park, you will need to park at one of the lots that are on Merhering Way or in the Brady Center and take the elevator to the street level and cross Mehring Way to Smale Park.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Our partners at The City of Cincinnati and CPD have allow Blink to have a couple additional areas that will be parking for “Accessible Vehicles Only” These areas are:

Findlay Market:
Race St. from Henry to Findlay.
These spaces will be marked with the standard parking ban notices from CPD and a sign that says “Accessible Parking Only”. During the hours of blink 4 pm to 1130 pm, vehicles with government-issued accessible parking plates or placards will be allowed to park here without being ticketed.

Downtown:
Groton Place Parking Lot has partnered with Blink to make this lot “Accessible Parking Only” for Blink. You will see the same signage. Some spaces will be blocked off for month parkers - any openspaces are for vehicles with government-issued accessible parking plates or placards.

The Banks
West Freedom, from Race to Rosa Parks. These spaces will be marked with the standard parking ban notices from CPD and a sign that says “Accessible Parking Only”. During the hours of blink 4 pm to 11:30 pm, vehicles with government-issued accessible parking plates or placards will be allowed to park here without being ticketed.

You will see "Accessible Drop-Off & Pick signs to direct you to the location, they will have arrows to follow.

When you have reached the entrance to the drop off location you will see these signs that say "Vehicles with Accessible Placecards & Plates Only" or/and "Accessible Drop-Off & Pick-Up Only"

If you have any questions regarding these Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-Up locations please email our Accessibility Director, Holly Maniatty, HOLLY@ALLINEVENTS.CO

BLINK is an exciting event that captures light, sound and movement to connect us all through the power of art. This means that there will be a lot happening at each installation and along the way. There will be a lot of people on the streets enjoying this event. We respectfully request that only service animals accompany our patrons at Blink. Please leave all pets at home.

Yes, there will be service animal relief areas at BLINK. They will be indicated with a sign that says "Service Animal Relief Area".

Your Service Animal is a trained professional and BLINK respects your decision on where to allow your animal relief. We do ask that you clean up after your animal.

Check out this helpful guide to Blink's Access Program signs; linked here.

BLINK utilizes our great and historic city of Cincinnati. This means that some of the streets have shown their age. Our Access Team has combed through the zones and designated a route that is the most accessible with mobility in mind. This means that it travels over closed streets, utilizes curb cuts and has wider areas for movement. You can see these paths of travel by looking at the Accessibility Maps that will be posted later this week.

There will be signage, posted high, that will guide you along the path, look for signs with arrows to direct you.

They will have arrows directing you along the easiest path of travel in all directions.

No. You can use whatever route or path you would like to view the art. These are designated as the “most accessible” and take advantage of the closed streets, best sidewalk conditions and curb cuts. Please make a decision that fits your needs best.

The Blink Access Team will also be posting signs for the general public to be mindful of keeping pathways clear and not blocking views. Additionally there will be chalk highlights on any surface of the Accessible Route that may pose a hazard - keep your eyes peeled.

There will be Access Team Escorts at the locations noted in the map for each zone. They can aide in escorting you through the crowd to the Accessible Viewing Areas. You can find these Access Team Escorts by looking for signs and for those wearing high-visibility vests.

There will be Access Team Escorts available at:

Findlay Market at both ends under the signs

Asian Asanti Night Market at both ends under the signs

Washington Park at the intersection of 14th & Race St.

There will be Access Team Escorts available at:

Findlay Market at both ends under the signs

Asian Asanti Night Market at both ends under the signs

Washington Park at the intersection of 14th & Race St.

The Access Team Escort will walk in-front of you at a short distance to create a “bubble” of clear sidewalk space for you to proceed to the Accessible VIewing Areas at your own pace. Often this is helpful in crowded events.

The Accessibility Maps note viewing areas and are also listed here by zone:

Findlay Market:

Projection #10: London Police Mural

OTR:

Unique Attraction # 16: Skate Spot

Projection #30: Music Hall Experience

Projection #39: The American Building Experience

Asha Fashion Show

Downtown:

Projection #42: Future Facades

Projection #44: Feel It

Light Installation #48: MAPP

The Banks:

Light Installation #65: Fantastic Fountain

Light Installation #66: Paraluna

Light Installation #68: Heart of Glass

Nightly Drone Shows

Lytle Park:

Light Installation #66: Dome of Reflection

Covington:

Projection #81: Gateway Center

Light Installation #84: Barter Boat

Nightly Drone Show

No! BLINK has worked with the artists and engineers to ensure that the installations are accessible. This means that there will be space around the installation to navigate with a mobility device or aide. If the installation utilizes sound or flashing lights that is noted on the Accessibility Map and also there are signs in place indicating this at the installation.

No. BLINK features light based installations, murals and projection pieces. Some of these will have flashing lights. They will be indicated with the installation information and on the BLINK maps. Please make a decision that is safe for you by looking at the maps prior to viewing the art. Approaching the installation you will see signs indicating flashing lights.

No. Some of the installations will have accompanying sound effects. Approaching the installation you will see signs that indicate loud or pulsating sounds that indicate this.

The Access Team is staffed by ALL IN EVENTS. We offer live patron support via text. If you have a question and need assistance while you are at BLINK, please text:

“BLINK” to 844-556-6998. One of our staff members will answer you via text. This will be available on festival days from 6 pm to 11 pm.

We will also have members of the Access Team stationed in each zone. They will be in high-visibility vests and wearing a blinking teal light on their left shoulder.

Please check our events lists, HERE. If there is something that you would like to have interpreted, please email: HOLLY@ALLINEVENTS.CO Please Note: we will need at least 72-hours notice.

We cannot guarantee that all the businesses and restaurants will be accessible, but in the OTR and FINDLAY zones keep an eye out for the walking/feet symbols, this will indicate our Access Team was able to do a quick walk-through for physical accessibility and it is compliant for entry/exit access and restroom access.

Yes! At every location noted on the map where there are standard units there will also be accessible units at each end. Look for the signs.

Check out this helpful guide to Blink's Access Program signs; linked here.

YES! Our partners at Central Riverfront Parking have agreed to allow additional Accessible Vehicle ONLY parking for more spaces at the parking garage that is located at 182 Race St. This is only for the Thursday 10/17/24. To utilize this additional parking:

• Enter the garage from 182 Race St.

• Proceed straight on that level until you see the elevator on your right.

• You will see spaces with temporary signage that will have the wheelchair symbol and

  “Accessible Parking ONLY”.

• Park in these spaces with your government-issued accessible parking plate or placard.

• Proceed to the elevator and up to street level.

• This will take you to The Freedom Center.

• Proceed across the intersection to Rosa Parks St/Ted Berry Way and follow the signs.

• Access Team Escorts are available on the South West corner of W. Freedom and Rosa

  Parks St.

BLINK 2024 is for everyone! The Accessible Viewing Area will be located on the upper level of The Banks area (the same level as the Icon Music Stage). A couple of things about these Accessible Viewing Area at BLINK 2024:

• These areas are intended for our patrons that use mobility devices, aides or have mobility concerns, with that in-mind we ask that you are mindful with your companions so that there is room for all Blink Access Patrons.

• These areas are first come, first served.

• We require anyone that will be standing to do so in the back so as not to block the view

  of those who are not standing.

• This is a smoke-free and vape-free area.

  BLINK Pro-Tip: Download the Parade Accessibility Map and save it to your phone as a photo, HERE

There will be Access Team Escorts at the Accessible Drop-Off and Pick-Up locations that are available to escort you through the crowd to the Accessible Viewing Area on the upper level and to the elevator to the street-level Accessible Viewing Area.

The Access Team Escort will walk in-front of you at a short distance to create a “bubble” of clear sidewalk space for you to proceed to the Accessible VIewing Areas at your own pace. Often this is helpful in crowded events.

Yes. Just look for the signs directing you to the upper level Accessible Viewing Area and the elevator to the street-level Accessible Viewing Area.

Yes. In addition to the bathrooms that are a permanent part of the surrounding facilities at The Banks, there will be accessible bathrooms near the upper-level Accessible Viewing Area and the street-level Accessible Viewing Area. They will be marked with signs.

No. After Thursday night, after the parade has finished, the accessible bathrooms on the upper-level will be moved to Washington Park in the OTR zone. There are accessible bathrooms across the street to Smale Park, near the Drone Show Accessible Viewing Area.