GETTING TO BLINK

Don’t BLINK and drive! The BLINK experience is designed as a walking event and an opportunity for visitors to explore the city in a new light. We highly recommend checking the BLINK website and downloading the ArtsWave app to plan ahead and avoid traffic congestion.

The new ArtsWave app is your passport to the best in arts and entertainment in Cincinnati, and right now, BLINK! New app users will be able to unlock the BLINK Insider with a $10 donation to ArtsWave.

The BLINK Insider is the best way to see what’s happening before and during the event, with insights from BLINK’s executive director, artist interviews, and sneak previews. The Insider also includes easy-to-use zone maps, itineraries for each day of the festival, and the music line-ups, all at the click of a button. Along with information about parking and finding restrooms, the BLINK Insider will offer real-time event updates from BLINK’s Command Central.

The ArtsWave app is available now in the App Store or Google Play.

Parking & Street Closures

The parking garage at The Banks will remain open during BLINK. However, certain streets around The Banks will be closed to accomodate the event. The street closures listed below are specific to The Banks. For a list of full street closures throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, visit the BLINK website.

Freedom Way– closes between Rosa Parks Street and Marian Spencer Way on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6AM.  Due to reopen on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 5AM. The Roebling Suspension Bridge will be closed 7PM to 11PM nightly.

The Blink Parade will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 8PM.  In order to accommodate this event, the following streets will close at 7PM on Thursday, October 17, 2024, and remain closed until approximately 10PM:

  • W Pete Rose Way– closed between Mehring Way and Central Avenue (closes at 4PM for staging)
  • Rose Street– closed between Mehring Way and W Pete Rose Way (closes at 4PM for staging)
  • Smith Street– closed between Mehring Way and W Pete Rose Way (closes at 4PM for staging)
  • Mehring Way– closed between Gest Street and E Pete Rose Way
  • Gest Street– southbound closed between Third Street and Mehring Way
  • Central Avenue– closed south of Third Street (northbound Central Avenue remains open north of W Pete Rose Way)
  • Elm Street– closed south of Second Street
  • Race Street– closed south of Second Street (garage access maintained)
  • Rosa Parks Street– closed south of Second Street (garage access maintained)
  • Marian Spencer Way– closed south of Second Street (garage access maintained)
  • Joe Nuxhall Way– closed south of Second Street (garage and hotel access maintained)
  • Suspension Bridge– closed
  • Ramp LL– closed
  • Johnny Bench Way– closed
  • E Pete Rose Way– closed west of Broadway 

Public Transportation

The Cincinnati Street will operate normal hours during BLINK. The Streetcar is FREE to ride and Stop #1 is conveniently located at The Banks. View Streetcar route info. BLINK has also partnered with Metro, TANK, and Butler Co. Regional Transit Authority (BRCTA) to offer fare-free rides beginning at 6 p.m., October 17-20. All rides on both transportation networks, including direct routes to BLINK, will be free. Direct routes to BLINK will be available via three Park and Ride locations. These Park and Ride locations will drop attendees off at the Riverfront Transit Center for both Metro and TANK. Learn more about TANK & Metro options to BLINK.

Walking Route

BLINK has curated recommended walking trails, each less than 1.5 miles, so you can string together routes to maximize your personal festival experience. View the interactive trail map for The Banks.

Event Map

To view the entire event map, visit the BLINK website.