FAQs

BLINK® will take place October 8-11, 2026. BLINK spans 30+ city blocks from Findlay Market in Cincinnati to Covington in Northern Kentucky.

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.

Our opening parade is evolving into an immersive, 5-block celebration surrounding TQL Stadium in the West End! Join us on October 8th from 4:00 - 9:00 PM for live music, interactive light art, and local food vendors.

At sundown, we’ll officially launch the 2026 festival with a collective "Turn The Lights On" moment, capped off by a spectacular drone and light show!

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

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

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.

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.

You are able to see the maps with the Accessible Routes noted on them via the ArtsWave App! 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.

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. This will be available at Washington Park from the Corner of Race and 14th to the viewing area.

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

OTR:

• Music Hall Experience

Downtown:

• Piatt Park

The Banks:

• Upper level of Mehering Way
• Black Music Walk of Fame

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. These are noted on the Blink maps and at the installation information. Please be sure to check out the Blink maps and signage before viewing the art work. Approaching the installation you will see signs that indicate loud or pulsating sounds.

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:

“B26” 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.

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 a request by 10/05/26 5 PM EST

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! On the maps you will see notations for accessible restrooms. These are portable restrooms that have been added to the Blink routes. There will be accessible toilets at each of these added areas.

There will be accessible restrooms that are located at the Oasis Stations as well, they are:

Contemporary Art Center

Music Hall

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

Children’s Theatre

Aronoff Center

No: Ready. Set. BLINK! is completely free and open to the public.

Trained Service Animals are welcome with their handlers at Ready. Set. BLINK!

Due to the large crowds and event environment, we encourage attendees to leave pets and all other animals at home.

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

4:00 PM | Jon Jon & DJ Prymtime

5:00 PM | Repertoire Live Performance

6:00 PM | First Financial "Turn the Lights On" Contest Winner Announcement

6:45 PM | Lovelytheband Live Performance

7:45 PM | BLINK Lights On. Watch BLINK Come to Life!

8:30 PM | "First Sight" Drone Show over TQL Stadium

8:45 PM | Dance Party Close

We are seeking creatives of all kinds to help bring Ready. Set. BLINK! to light. Visit our Call for Participants for additional information and application details.

Ready. Set. BLINK! will feature Light Art Creation Stations where attendees can create their own wearable light art to carry into the festival experience.

Yes! Food truck vendors will be onsite throughout the duration of the event.

Attendees will also find beverage booths offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

All beverage booths will be credit card only.

Individual food truck vendors may accept cash in addition to credit cards, though payment options may vary by vendor.

Several parking garages and surface lots are available near the Ready. Set. BLINK! footprint, including the Findlay Market North Garage, Washington Park Garage, and Memorial Hall Surface Lot.

Parking garages located outside of the BLINK footprint will operate at event pricing during the festival.

We are also partnering once again with LAZ Parking to offer reserved parking spaces at select locations. Additional information and reservation links will be available soon.

Please note:

• Parking passes are location-specific.

• Redemption instructions may vary by location.

• Guests who exceed their reservation time may incur additional charges.
  

Public transportation options include both METRO and TANK services.

Additional Park & Ride opportunities from locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be announced soon.

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:

Findlay Market Zone:

• Findlay and Race St
• Findlay and Central Parkway

Fountain District Zone

• E 8th & Walnut St.

The Banks Zone

• Elm St & E Freedom Way

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

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

If you have questions during Blink please text “B26” to 844-556-6998 - a team member will get right back to you, real person, not AI!

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/ and

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

ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBLE PARKING: Our partners at The City of Cincinnati and CPD have allowed Blink to have a couple additional areas that will be parking for “Accessible Vehicles Only” These spaces will be for vehicles with Accessible Parking placards or plates, for Blink Thursday-Sunday - 4 PM to Midnight. 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 Midnight) vehicles with government-issued accessible parking plates or placards will be allowed to park here without being ticketed.

These areas are:

For Ready, Set, Blink only:

Sam Adams Brewery:

Central Parkway between Findlay and Liberty

Thursday - Sunday 4 PM to Midnight:

Findlay Market:

Findlay St from Elm to Race

Downtown:

W 8th Between Walnut and Vine

The Banks

West Freedom

If you have questions during Blink please text “B26” to 844-556-6998 - a team member will get right back to you, real person, not AI!

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 prior to Blink, please email our Accessibility Director, Holly Maniatty, HOLLY@ALLINEVENTS.CO

If you have questions during Blink please text “B26” to 844-556-6998 - a team member will get right back to you, real person, not AI!

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.

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.