Contributed
With 80+ installations, more than 30+ blocks, three counties and two million fans waiting to experience the nation’s largest light and art festival, choosing what to cover and when can be overwhelming.
The brains behind BLINK have curated a list of events they think you can’t miss.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
William Rankins, Jr / Javarri Lewis Mural Dedication, 5 p.m.
Mural site, 1619 Moore St., Cincinnati
- One of Cincinnati’s most prolific muralists, William Rankins, Jr., is working with one of Cincinnati’s up and coming artists, Javarri Lewis. Rankins has lost his sight, and Lewis is stepping in to assist as they work together on the mural that bears the phrase “Walk by Faith, Not By Sight.” Many of Rankins’ original murals have been painted over, so this collaboration is a nod to the past and gift for Cincinnati’s future.
Light Run/Bike Ride, 7 p.m.
Starts at Findlay Market, run ends at Washington Park
- Though not an official BLINK event, it has become a tradition where runners and bikers get a sneak peek at the installations the night before BLINK begins.
“Phronesis” Dedication, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Main Library South Plaza, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati
- Phronesis, by artist Jen Lewin, opens a new window as a large-scale light sculpture. Seven of the sculpture’s light pillars are installed outside, with one inside. each represents a guiding principle of ancient Greek wisdom. Derived from Ancient Greek, the word phronesis means “understanding” and “practical judgment.”
Blink and Doodle with ABV Art Gallery, 8 p.m.
Alice OTR, 1432 Main St., Cincinnati
- Blink & Doodle is a unique, live, interactive art event where 30 + talented artists come together to create. Watch their pieces unfold in real-time and connect with the artists behind the work. By the end of the evening, each artist will have completed a work of art that will be available for purchase through an online auction.
Thursday, Oct. 17
BLINK, 7-11pm
BLINK Parade, presented by Skyline: “Let It Shine,” 8 p.m.
The Banks Zone
- Parade starts at Paycor Stadium, winds down Mehring Way and ends at Great American Ball Park
Friday, Oct. 18
BLINK, 7-11pm
Secret Walls, 9-10:30 p.m.
AGAR — 1205 Walnut St.
- Secret Walls is the world’s premier competitive live art event — the battleground where artists of all kinds come to test their skills and show off their style. Artists compete against (and with) each other to finish a mural in 90 minutes.
Saturday, Oct. 19
BLINK, 7-11pm
Live Magic Show with Anna DeGuzman, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.
Cardtopia Stage, Covington Plaza Amphitheatre, 144 Madison Ave., Covington
- Anna DeGuzman will dazzle the crowd with mind-blowing card tricks and sleight-of-hand mastery. Don’t miss two free, high-energy performances that will light up the evening.
afterglow, 10 p.m.
MegaCorp Pavilion, 101 Fourth St., Newport
- The first ever BLINK after party headed inside MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, where DJ Austin Millz will entertain and guests will be amazed at the projection mapping inside.
Sunday, Oct. 20
BLINK, 7-11pm
Nightly BLINK events Thursday-Sunday, Oct, 17-20
BLINK Pop-Up Shop Limelight
1326 Vine St.
- Apparel, accessories, collectibles and more are available in person or online, with local pickup. Limelight hours are:
Wednesday, Oct. 16: 4-8p
Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17 & 18: 2-11p
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 & 20: 11a-11p
Asianati Night Market, 7-11pm
Court St. Plaza
- The Asianati Night Market returns to BLINK, featuring a wide array of unique Asian street foods. This year, we’re expanding the market to include not just food vendors but also Asian-owned businesses and artists in our immersive installation. Expect more family-friendly activities, games, snacks, and merch.
Silent Disco, 7-11 PM
Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport
- Nearby two BLINK installations, Cincy Silent Disco celebrates BLINK’s expansion into Newport. Grab a special set of headphones and choose your own soundtrack as you rock out nightly to the free event.
“Crescendo” by Kyle Eli Ebersole and Ian Molitars, 8 p.m.
Lytle Park, 311 Pike St., Cincinnati
- Just as tree roots connect to the forest’s ecosystem, music can compose connections within a community. The Crescendo piano light installation invites viewers to step up and perform as it transforms sound into light.
“Mystic Eye” Drone Show, 8 & 10 p.m.
Ohio River at The Banks & Covington
- This captivating show transforms the night sky into a canvas, drawing from the vibrant BLINK brand identity. As the drones take flight, they weave intricate patterns and dynamic displays that echo the essence of BLINK’s bold and innovative spirit.
“Suaveciclo” by VJ Suave 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 p.m.
- Dive into the colorful world of VJ Suave as we navigate the city with a specially equipped tricycle, illuminating the night with art and light. Live performances project animated characters onto urban landscapes, transforming parks and streets into vibrant canvases.
“Phases & Actions” by Brett Bolton, 9 & 10 p.m.
Doerr Alley, Cincinnati
- Brett will play two audiovisual performances, “Phases” and “Actions,” during BLINK. Phases explores the phases of matter, transforming the screen into solid, liquid, gaseous, and plasma states with drums and an XY controller. Actions focuses on human interaction with a digital canvas. Distort, push, fracture each piece highlights a different way that drums and movement can manipulate music and visuals. Between performances, the venue becomes an interactive installation, allowing the audience to play the visual systems used for Brett’s shows.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-19
“Midwest Block Party” by Warmth Culture, 7-11pm
Findlay Market
- Midwest Block Party is an immersive sound and light installation near Findlay Market, showcasing Stallitix’s top collaborators from the past decade. Featuring dynamic DJ and live music performances, the “living room” stage reflects Midwestern hospitality, while the surrounding area evokes the warmth of an outdoor community gathering. This vibrant space invites people to dance, unwind, and celebrate connection, offering a refreshing meeting place amid the electric energy of BLINK.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-20
“Who Do You Say That I Am” Runway Show, 8 p.m.
15th St. between Race and Republic
• “Who Do You Say That I Am?” is a deeper look into the layered pieces that make designer Asha Ama into the person she is today. Take a journey through her history and take account of the pieces that make you — you.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20
BLINK Skate Park, 5 p.m.
Liberty and Race
- Love skateboarding? Love skate graphics? Join Australian Blink artist Sonny Day for a series of skate deck painting workshops.