Illuminating BLINK: A Spotlight on Black artists, performers, events, and businesses.
BLINK, Cincinnati’s vibrant light and art festival, is an exciting opportunity to experience the city through a cultural lens. This guide spotlights the talented Black visual artists, live performers, and Black-owned businesses that make BLINK a celebration of diversity and creativity. From must-see art installations to dining at local Black-owned restaurants, along with essential parking, road closure, and transportation details, this guide will help you navigate BLINK while embracing the richness of Cincinnati’s Black culture.
The BLINK® experience is October 8-11, 2026 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Looking for something? Use the following list to jump ahead to a specific section in the guide:
- Art and Experiences
- Live Entertainment
- Events Before and After
- Downtown Black-owned Businesses
- Parking
- Transportation
- Road Closures
- Accessibility
Art and Experiences from Black Artists Featured at BLINK
Discover the incredible talent of Black artists, muralists, filmmakers, and animators showcased at BLINK, where vibrant creativity and diverse perspectives come to life.
Danke
Mural by Shantell Martin
18 W Elder Street (Findlay Market Zone)
Shantell Martin, the visual artist and philosopher has carved out a unique style and voice in the contemporary art world. Her mastery of the spontaneous and-drawn line has captivated an audience of international patrons, admirers, and collectors alike. “Danke” is a thank you to Cincinnati and creativity.
Justine
Mural by Kingsley
123 W Elder Street (Findlay Market)
Kingsley is a Nigerian graphic designer, illustrator and artist based in London. Crazy for comics, fanatic about films and inspired by African art, Kingsley is recognised for both his commercial and gallery work.
Still Shines Through
Mural by Max Sansing
1814 Race Street (Findlay Market Zone)
The project incorporates themes from the latest body of work while reflecting the spirit and energy of the community. Through conversations with local residents, a vision emerged that highlights the youth of the community looking toward its future amid ongoing growth and change. Enhanced by pixel mapping from Chaske Haverkos, the installation creates a multisensory experience. The figures are depicted in meditation, gazing toward the sky as a symbol of the future, hope, and limitless possibilities.
If I Ruled the World
Mural #2 by Gee Horton with Chroma Projects
1600 Vine Street (Findlay Market Zone)
The Coming of Age Mural Series features hyper-realistic charcoal and graphite drawings that explore the journey of growing up from the perspective of the Black experience. By blending the human form with contemporary cultural symbols, these murals do more than just beautify neighborhoods—they inspire a sense of pride and belonging.
Things Fall Apart
Mural #3 by Gee Horton with Chroma Projects
1714 Vine Street (Findlay Market Zone)
The Coming of Age Mural Series features hyper-realistic charcoal and graphite drawings that explore the journey of growing up from the perspective of the Black experience. By blending the human form with contemporary cultural symbols, these murals do more than just beautify neighborhoods.
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
Mural by Javarri Lewis with William Rankins Jr.
1619 Moore Street (Findlay Market Zone)
Painted by Javarri and designed together, this mural pays homage to Mr. Rankins Jr. and his legacy and serves as a reminder to keep creating beautiful, wonderful things.
You Got Me
Mural #1 by Gee Horton with Chroma Projects
1500 Vine Street (OTR Zone)
The Coming of Age Mural Series features hyper-realistic charcoal and graphite drawings that explore the journey of growing up from the perspective of the Black experience. By blending the human form with contemporary cultural symbols, these murals do more than just beautify neighborhoods—they inspire a sense of pride and belonging.
Live Entertainment featuring Black Performers during BLINK
Check back for the full lineup of Black performers at BLINK, featuring jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and more. Enjoy the sounds of local and regional African American DJs, musicians, bands, and drumlines.
Additional Events to experience before and after BLINK
With so much happening at BLINK, check back for several events that kick off before the festival and continue even after it ends.
Tuesday, October 6
BLINK: Run the Night
7:30 p.m.
Elm Street Plaza
$54.42
Starting at Elm Street Plaza, you’ll follow a unique 2.6-mile route experiencing the magic and wonder of BLINK before the crowds arrive. This is not your typical race… it is a chance to move through the city, take in the art, and experience the energy of BLINK in a way few people ever will.
Run the Night After Party
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Elm Street Plaza
Celebrate your illuminated finish at Elm Street Plaza. More details to be announced!
Thursday, October 8
Ready, Set, BLINK! | 2026 Opening Block Party
4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Parkway between Liberty Street and West 14th Street
Featuring luminous interactive installations, electrifying live performances, hands-on creative experiences, and opportunities to create and wear your own light art, Ready, Set, BLINK! serves as the spark that ignites BLINK’s four-day celebration of art, creativity, technology, and community.
Asianati Night Market
Thursday–Saturday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Court Street Plaza
Experience the vibrant tastes, sounds, and smells of Asia’s night markets. Get ready for a variety of Asian cuisine, entertainment, games, and activities surrounded by captivating art installations all on Court Street Plaza.
Downtown Black-owned Businesses to check out during BLINK
Find Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, nightclubs, lounges, and entertainment venues in downtown Cincinnati to explore during BLINK.
Traveling to and Getting Around BLINK
Navigating BLINK requires some planning. Below, find everything you need to know about parking, travel options, accessibility, and road closures to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Parking
BLINK is partnering with LAZ Parking, which offers reserved parking spaces at select locations. Once you purchase your reserved parking pass, you will see a button on the confirmation page to view your pass, as well as in a confirmation email.
Buses
Experience the nation’s largest immersive light and art show with park and ride opportunities from locations thoughout Greater Cincinnati. Details coming soon.
Streetcar
The Connector, Cincinnati’s streetcar, will operate during the four-day festival free of charge.
Road Closures
Check back for road closures during the event.
Accessibility
Accessibility details coming soon. If you have questions, please email Accessibility Director Holly Maniatty at Holly@allinevents.co.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Images provided by AdobeStock and BLINK on Facebook
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