Blink returns to the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this week, engulfing the region in a kaleidoscope of lights and sounds for its fifth iteration, but its opening ceremony will look a little different this year.
The festival, featuring art from over 90 artists worldwide
, takes place Oct. 8-11. According to a press release, this year's iteration features the latest technology and digital art techniques, and a record number of women artists.And if you were expecting to see another Blink parade, think again. This year, the festival plans to kick the festivities off in a new way.
Here's what to know.
No parade? Blink will kick off festival with TQL block party
The festival kicks off with its opening ceremony Oct. 8 from 4-9 p.m., surrounding TQL Stadium in the city's West End neighborhood.
The five-block
party marks the evolution of Blink's traditional opening parade into a larger, more immersive opening gathering. The party will feature live music from local DJs, interactive and collaborative art installations, hands-on light art creation stations, community activations and food and beverage vendors throughout the event.
The evening will center around an activated stage built over the steps of TQL Stadium. Then, as the sun sets, the event transitions into Blink's opening ceremony.
At sundown, there will be a collective moment to "turn the lights on," officially launching the 2026 festival, followed by a drone and pyrotechnic show set to illuminate the stadium and the surrounding skyline, a press release reads.
Lovelytheband to headline Ready. Set. Blink!
As if the block party couldn't get any more lit, California-based rock band Lovelytheband will headline Ready. Set. Blink! on Central Parkway near TQL Stadium.
Known for their multi-platinum hit, "Broken," Lovelytheband will headline the free celebration from 4-9 p.m.
What to know about Blink Cincinnati
Blink 2026 will be the fifth iteration of the art, light and projection-mapping festival held in Northern Kentucky, Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The first occurred in 2017, followed by the festivals in 2019, 2022 and 2024.
Two years ago, Blink featured over 80 installations spanning more than 30 blocks in Over-the-Rhine, Downtown and Northern Kentucky. In 2022, Blink attracted over 2 million people during the four-day event, resulting in an economic impact of $126 million, according to a study by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.
Blink Cincinnati was honored with the Irma Lazarus Award as part of the 2025 Ohio Governor's Awards for the Arts last year. The Governor's Awards, held since 1971, spotlight individuals and organizations who have been vital to the growth of Ohio's arts culture.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: No Blink parade?! Festival to open with block party (and free concert)
