CINCINNATI (WXIX) - It’s a unique and busy time of year for Greater Cincinnati as several cities along the Ohio River get ready for BLINK 2024, the grandest, brightest art and light festival in the country. Since 2017, the number of BLINK visitors has only increased as the exhibit grows. Now, it attracts millions of people across the span of four days. Organizers say the event generated about
$120 million for the Cincinnati area in 2022 after roughly 2 million people came to check out the colorful and vibrant art installations. This year will be BLINK’s fourth show and it is only going to be bigger and brighter than the previous years. Follow FOX19 NOW’s guide to surviving BLINK 2024.
When is BLINK this year?
Thursday, Oct. 17 - Sunday, Oct. 20.
Is BLINK free?
Good news! You do not need tickets to attend BLINK and it’s completely free to the public. The only ticketed part of the event is Saturday night’s Afterglow party.
Where is BLINK happening?
BLINK art installations and lights span more than 30 city blocks from Findlay Market all the way into Newport and Covington. Artswave came out with an
Experience Map for attendees, so they can see where some of the main attractions are. This year, the organization dedicated seven zones to the map: Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, Downtown Cincinnati, Lytle Park, The Banks, Covington and Newport.
What’s new this year?
There are many “firsts” happening at BLINK this year. The City of Newport is now a part of the fun and will have art and light installations at Newport on the Levee, Thompson House and Southgate House. This is an expansion that Artswave has considered since 2022, and now it’s come to life. For those going to BLINK Saturday night and aren’t ready to go home yet, MegaCorp Pavilion is hosting
Afterglow - a new addition to the four-day festival - featuring performances by Austin Millz, DJ Prymtime and DJ Boywife.
Tickets are on sale now for $30 or pay day-of for $35. In addition to all the brand-new art installations created by local artists, organizers are added to the BLINK experience with a new
100-foot-long laser light bridge between Covington Landing and Sawyer Point.
BLINK Parade
The
BLINK Parade is for one day only and is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 8 p.m. It will start at Paycor Stadium, travel less than one mile along West Mehring Way, and end at Great American Ball Park.
Parking, public transportation
Metro, TANK and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) are offering
free rides to BLINK as many roads will be closed. For
Metro and TANK riders, free fare begins at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17 and ends each night of BLINK at 12:30 a.m. These rides include a direct route to and from the park and ride locations and the Riverfront Transit Center. For those traveling to BLINK via BCRTA, Cincy Link will shuttle attendees to and from park and ride locations and the Riverfront Transit Center between 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. each night. It is not recommended for people to drive directly to BLINK zones since parking will be limited and many streets will be closed. However, if attendees need to drive, they can reserve parking spots with
this link. Cincinnati street closures
Covington street closures
On Oct. 17 to Oct. 20, the following streets will be closed from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.: From Oct. 17 at 7 a.m. to Oct. 21 at noon, West 7th Street from Madison Avenue to Washington to Avenue will be closed.
Is BLINK ADA-accessible?
For those who have questions, email Holly Maniatty, All In Events’ Accessibility Director, at
[email protected] Are pets allowed at BLINK?
Organizers say trained service animals are welcome as long as they are with their handlers, however, other pets are not due to the large crowds.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Come hungry to BLINK because there will be tons of options you’re going to want to try. In addition to the restaurants and bars that already sit in the middle of the excitement, Asianati’s Night Market will also be serving up some of the best Asian cuisine in Cincinnati with 14 vendors. There will also be a plethora of music, live entertainment and local stores at the Asianati Night Market. The BLINK 2024 Map also indicates where folks can find food and drinks.
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