Cincinnati is getting ready to glow once again as BLINK, the nation’s largest public light and art event, returns October 8–11, 2026. For four nights, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be transformed into a massive outdoor gallery featuring projection mapping, light installations, murals, interactive art, live performances and more.
Since launching in 2017, BLINK has become one of Cincinnati’s signature events, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city in an entirely different way. The 2026 festival will feature more than 90 artists from 20 countries, including 30 artists from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. More than 40 international artists are participating, with nearly half of the artists appearing at BLINK for the first time.
When and Where Is BLINK?
BLINK takes place Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11, spanning more than 30 city blocks from Findlay Market through downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine and across the Ohio River into Covington, Kentucky. The main BLINK experience runs approximately 7–11 p.m. each night, although individual installations and special events have their own schedules.
Rather than following one set route, visitors can create their own BLINK experience. The festival is divided into neighborhood zones, including Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, the Fountain District, The Banks and Covington.
Most projections and light installations run continuously on a loop, allowing visitors to arrive throughout the evening and explore at their own pace.
Ready. Set. BLINK! Kicks Off the Festival
BLINK begins Thursday afternoon with Ready. Set. BLINK!, a new opening celebration surrounding TQL Stadium in Cincinnati’s West End.
The free event runs from 4–9 p.m. on October 8 and features live music, interactive art, food and beverage vendors, hands-on light-art experiences and a temporary skatepark. The festival officially lights up as the sun sets, with a “Turn The Lights On” celebration and a spectacular drone and light show.
Thursday’s lineup includes Jon Jon & DJ Prymtime, Repertoire, Asha AMA’s fashion show and a dance party. A drone show is scheduled over TQL Stadium at 8:30 p.m., followed by the main BLINK experience throughout the city.
International Artists Transform Cincinnati
One of the most exciting parts of BLINK is seeing Cincinnati’s familiar buildings and streets transformed by artists from around the world.
The 2026 lineup includes artists and creative teams from countries including France, Australia, Canada, England, Spain, Hungary, Brazil, Greece, Argentina, Italy, Germany, Sweden, South Africa and more. Among the featured artists are Dulk, James Bullough, Medianeras, Pastel, Sofles, Wayne Horse, Polina Soloveichik, Max Sansing, Shahzia Sikander, Silent Partners Studio and Spencer Sterling.
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky artists are also strongly represented, including Paper Acorn, Chase Melendez, Jim Tucker and Frank Young, Black Art Speaks, Napoleon Maddox, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Asianati and the Cincinnati Skatepark Project.
Highlights include the Music Hall Experience, the Cincinnati Skatepark Activation, murals by artists including Max Sansing, Dulk, James Bullough, Pastel and Sofles, and the Voyage to Atlantis Fashion Show connected to the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.
More Than Just Light Shows
BLINK offers plenty to see beyond the major projections. The Asianati Night Market returns to Court Street Plaza with food, cultural entertainment and interactive activities. It runs 5–11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 5–10 p.m. Sunday.
The festival also features Alley Sessions, with artists creating murals live at Findlay Market and Tobacco Alley in Covington on Saturday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Cincinnati Skatepark will offer skating, DJs and art throughout the weekend, while Polka-DOTober at the Art Academy of Cincinnati combines projections, light sculptures, performances, music and student artwork.
For those who want to see BLINK from above the city, the Dimensions of Wonder Drone Show takes place over the Ohio River at 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Plan Your BLINK Adventure
With dozens of installations spread across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, BLINK is best experienced on foot with plenty of time to wander. Visitors don’t need to arrive at a specific time to see most installations because the projections and light displays run continuously.
Whether you spend an evening exploring Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market, cross the river to Covington or make BLINK a multi-night adventure, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Cincinnati’s architecture, neighborhoods and creative community in a completely new light.
BLINK 2026: October 8–11, 2026
Main festival hours: 7–11 p.m. nightly
Opening celebration: Ready. Set. BLINK!, October 8, 4–9 p.m. at TQL Stadium/West End
Admission: Free
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Featured zones: Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, Fountain District, The Banks and Covington
For the most current schedule, maps and installation information, visit the official BLINK Cincinnati event guide.