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BLINK 2026 begins Oct. 8 and will bring murals, projection mappings and interactive light installations to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The festival features 92 artists from 20 countries and more than 90 major installations. Cincinnati Art Week is also taking place Oct. 3–10, giving visitors additional opportunities to explore the city’s arts community.
Cincinnati is preparing for BLINK 2026 as artists put the finishing touches on murals, light installations and other artwork ahead of the four-day event.
BLINK 2026 begins Thursday, Oct. 8, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 11, bringing large-scale projections, murals, interactive installations and other artwork to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Artists put finishing touches on BLINK murals
Artists from around the world are working throughout Cincinnati ahead of the festival, including several projects in Over-the-Rhine.
Among the artists participating this year is Drew Merritt, a Southwest-based artist whose work will become part of BLINK’s growing collection of murals.
Merritt is creating a mural on the side of a former church in Over-the-Rhine.
The artist said the opportunity allows artists to express feelings in ways that can connect with people and allow them to find their own meaning in the work.
The 2026 artist lineup includes 92 artists representing 20 countries, according to BLINK organizers.
The festival’s mural program will bring the total number of murals created through BLINK to 75.
Also read: Cincinnati urges BLINK visitors to sign up for CincyAlert safety notifications
BLINK 2026 features more than 90 major installations
BLINK will transform more than 30 city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky during the four-night event.
The 2026 program includes more than 90 large-scale projection mappings, interactive light installations and murals.
BLINK combines light, art, lasers, projections and large-scale public artwork throughout the region.
The festival is scheduled from 7 to 11 p.m. each night.
Organizers have described BLINK as one of Cincinnati’s largest public art events, drawing visitors into neighborhoods throughout the region.
The event began in 2017 and has become a recurring showcase for local, national and international artists.
For artists such as Merritt, the festival also creates an opportunity to leave a permanent piece of artwork in Cincinnati.
Merritt said contributing to the city’s artistic landscape is a meaningful experience because the artwork can remain in the community long after the festival ends.
Cincinnati Art Week joins BLINK in 2026
A new Cincinnati Art Week is also taking place around the same time as BLINK.
Cincinnati Art Week runs Oct. 3 through Oct. 10 and includes exhibitions, pop-up galleries, artist studios, workshops, talks and other arts programming.
Organizers hope the additional programming will encourage visitors to explore Cincinnati’s broader arts community while attending BLINK.
Arts organizations and galleries throughout the city are participating in events connected to the inaugural art week.
The ArtsWave app also includes a dedicated BLINK hub with information about the festival, including event details and other features for visitors.
BLINK prepares for large crowds
The city is preparing for increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic during the festival.
BLINK-related street closures are scheduled in Cincinnati during portions of the event, while the festival’s opening ceremony will take place Thursday, Oct. 8.
The opening celebration will center on TQL Stadium and the West End before the official lighting moment and a drone and light show.
Visitors can use the official BLINK map and ArtsWave app to find murals, projections, installations and other activities throughout the festival area.
With artists continuing to prepare their work, Cincinnati is set to become an outdoor gallery of light and public art when BLINK 2026 begins Thursday.
FAQs
How many installations will BLINK 2026 have?
The 2026 festival features more than 90 large-scale projection mappings, interactive light installations and murals.
What is new about BLINK 2026?
Cincinnati Art Week is being introduced in conjunction with this year’s BLINK. The inaugural event runs Oct. 3–10 and includes exhibitions, pop-up galleries, workshops, talks and other arts programming.
Will BLINK 2026 include artwork in Over-the-Rhine?
Yes. Over-the-Rhine is among the Cincinnati neighborhoods featuring BLINK artwork, including several murals.
What makes BLINK different from a traditional light festival?
LINK combines large-scale projection mapping with murals, interactive installations, lasers and other forms of public art. The artwork is spread throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky rather than being confined to a single venue.
