BLINK opened last night, and this outdoor art event is *so* Cincinnati. BLINK turns our city into an outdoor art museum with large-scale projection mapping installations, murals and immersive art. Spanning more than 30 city blocks across Downtown Cincinnati and N. KY, with more than 100 installations, BLINK is the largest light, art and culture event of its kind in the nation.
But where to start when you’re a parent? With 100+ installations spanning 5 “zones” across the Downtown grid, seeing all.the.things with your little kids just isn’t feasible. So we’ve narrowed it down to our top family-friendly favorites.
Here are 10 must-visit BLINK attractions in Cincinnati for families:
1. Rumble (pictured)
Start here at the most iconic BLINK display. Check out the Roebling Suspension Bridge decadent display of light and sound. The Roebling Suspension Bridge at The Banks Zone
2. Energy Cycle
Head over the river for an energizing light projection in Northern Kentucky. 619 Madison Ave., Covington Zone
3. Rainbow Bridge
Head back to the Cincy side of the river to wonder at this a 27-foot-tall, 25,000-light rainbow at Smale. Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks Zone
4. Light Streams
Lights that illuminate and animate canoes on the Ohio River, orchestrated to a musical score. Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks Zone
5. Re: Fraction
Head uptown to Cincinnati’s iconic Fountain Square as it comes alive with light moving and transforming in interactive experiences! Fountain Square, Downtown Zone
6. The Portal
This psychedelic light show will take over the facade the city’s most prominent downtown museum. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th Street, Downtown Zone
7. Lightbattle
Take a seat on a bike and paddle like mad in an epic Lightbattle. Sponsored by UC Health and Red Bike, this interactive installation invites visitors to out-cycle their opponents. As you pedal, an arch of light will expand until the winner is showered in a dazzling waterfall of light. Main & 9th Streets, Downtown Zone
8. See Yourself in Lights
See your own 20-foot portrait projected onto the side of an OTR building. 15 East 14th Street, OTR Zone
9. Neon Flux
The city’s most Instagrammed mural comes to life with 30,000 lumens of light. 1120 Jackson Street, OTR Zone
10. Arborealis
End your BLINK journey in an unreal, from-a-fairytale urban forest. Sellew Alley, 1808 Elm Street, Findlay Market Zone
A few tips: BLINK is designed around the Cincinnati Bell Connector, and it’s recommended to park at the southernmost or northernmost end of the event, and then walk or ride the streetcar in between displays. Find a list of street closures here.
And make a family day BLINK — check out The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s CASPER this weekend (and enjoy BOGO savings on tickets!)
BLINK runs 7-11 pm nightly, October 10-13. It’s FREE and no tickets are required. Find more info and a map here.
Photo credits: Brave Berlin, with the exception of Neon Flux, which is courtesy of BLINK’s Facebook page.