Blink Cincinnati 2024: A Must-See Event and The Filson—The Best Place to Eat During the Festival
Every few years, the streets of downtown Cincinnati transform into a world of light, art, and magic during one of the city’s most anticipated events—Blink Cincinnati. This outdoor festival, which features massive light installations, interactive murals, and cutting-edge projections, draws visitors from all over the country. Blink is more than just a spectacle; it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Cincinnati.
As you plan your visit to the 2024 Blink Festival, you’ll not only want to explore the stunning sights but also indulge in great food while you’re downtown. Enter The Filson, a top-tier restaurant offering a range of delicious meals and craft cocktails, making it the ideal spot to recharge between festival activities. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Blink Cincinnati 2024, its history, and why The Filson should be your go-to dining destination during this exciting event.
What is Blink Cincinnati?
For those new to the city or visiting from afar, you might be wondering: What is Blink Cincinnati? Blink is a free, outdoor light and art festival that spans over 30 blocks in downtown Cincinnati, extending into Covington, Kentucky. The event blends technology and creativity, showcasing large-scale projections on historic buildings, interactive art installations, live performances, and one-of-a-kind murals.
The festival typically takes place every two years and has quickly become one of the largest light festivals in the United States. It attracts over a million visitors each time it’s held, offering a mix of stunning visual experiences and a celebration of the city’s artistic community. Blink also features numerous local and international artists, making it a cultural event with a truly global perspective.
Blink Cincinnati History
The Blink Festival first debuted in 2017, capturing the hearts of Cincinnati residents and tourists alike. Its roots stem from a smaller event called Lumenocity, which focused on light projections and classical music performances in Washington Park. The success of Lumenocity led to the creation of Blink, expanding the concept into a citywide event that blends art, technology, and culture in innovative ways.
Blink’s inaugural year was met with incredible enthusiasm, with over a million attendees exploring the installations that lit up the urban landscape. In 2019, Blink returned even bigger, adding more blocks to its lineup and crossing the river into Covington, KY. As Blink evolved, it maintained its focus on inclusion, art, and the reinvention of public spaces.
Now, in 2024, Blink is set to return with even more dazzling light displays, performances, and interactive art. Whether you’re a seasoned Blink visitor or attending for the first time, 2024 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
When is Blink Cincinnati 2024?
The big question on everyone’s mind: When is Blink Cincinnati 2024? This year, the festival is scheduled for October 17-20, 2024, so mark your calendars now! This four-day event will run in the evenings, allowing you to experience the magic of light installations after dark. The hours typically range from 7 PM to 11 PM each night, offering plenty of time to explore, grab a bite to eat, and immerse yourself in the creative energy of downtown Cincinnati.
Why The Filson is the Best Place to Eat During Blink Cincinnati
With all the walking, art-watching, and excitement that comes with Blink, you’re bound to work up an appetite. That’s where The Filson comes in. The Filson is a restaurant in downtown Cincinnati, perfectly situated near many of Blink’s installations, making it a convenient and top-notch dining spot during the festival.
The Filson offers an extensive menu with something for everyone, from gourmet burgers and creative sandwiches to an array of craft cocktails and local beers. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down dinner with friends or a quick bite before diving back into the festival, The Filson’s versatile menu will satisfy your cravings.
Here are just a few reasons why The Filson is a must-visit place to eat during Blink:
1. Convenient Location
Situated right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati at The Banks, The Filson is close to many Blink installations. Its central location allows you to stop in for a meal or drink without having to stray too far from the action. This makes it an ideal spot to refuel and relax before heading back out to enjoy more of the festival.
2. Extensive Drink Menu
Blink Cincinnati is an event that’s sure to keep you moving, and what better way to unwind than with a refreshing drink? The Filson is known for its extensive drink menu, which features a variety of beers, craft sodas, wines, and specialty cocktails. Try one of their signature cocktails or opt for a local craft beer to enjoy with your meal. If you’re a fan of beertails, you’ll love the creative concoctions on offer—perfect for sipping as you chat about your favorite Blink installations.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Menu
The Filson’s diverse menu has something to satisfy everyone in your group. For those looking for something hearty, the Colonel DB’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a fan favorite. The chicken is marinated and fried to perfection, coated in Grippo’s BBQ chip flour, and topped with Swiss cheese, ham, and bacon. If you’re craving something a bit lighter, their specialty salads and seasonal dishes are always fresh and flavorful.
The Filson also features several shareable options, like their beertails, tall boys, and seltzers, making it an excellent spot for a group outing before or after checking out the Blink installations.
4. Outdoor Seating for Blink Views
Want to stay in the middle of the Blink excitement while you dine? The Filson offers outdoor seating that allows you to enjoy your meal while still taking in some of the lights and crowds of Blink. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere without missing out on the art-filled streets of downtown Cincinnati.
Blink-Inspired Drink Specials at The Filson
To celebrate Blink Cincinnati 2024, The Filson is serving up a limited-time menu of festive cocktails and mocktails that perfectly capture the creativity and excitement of the event. Each drink has been specially crafted by our talented bartenders to showcase unique flavors and eye-catching presentations—just like the light installations at Blink. Check out these exclusive BLINK 2024 drink specials available only during the festival:
- Caramelized Pear Mojito: A seasonal twist on a classic mojito, featuring rum, pear puree, lime juice, caramel, and fresh mint. This refreshing cocktail is topped with soda water and garnished with pear slices and a cinnamon stick for an added touch of warmth.
- Ghostly Maple Espresso Martini: Energize your Blink exploration with this bold blend of vodka, espresso, maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. Finished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible glitter, this cocktail is as visually striking as it is delicious.
- Bewitched Blackberry Sour: Sip on something dark and delightful with bourbon, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and a rim of purple sugar. Garnished with a lemon wheel and fresh blackberries, this cocktail has a bewitching flavor that’s sure to cast a spell.
- Hocus Pocus Punch (Non-Alcoholic Mocktail): For a magical, alcohol-free option, try this colorful punch made with green berry rush Hawaiian Punch, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda. Topped with a tuft of cotton candy, it’s a sweet treat for all ages.
Don’t miss your chance to try these Blink-inspired beverages! They’re available only for a limited time during the festival, making them the perfect way to toast your Blink experience.
Blink Cincinnati 2024: A Festival You Can’t Miss
There are countless reasons to visit Cincinnati, but Blink truly stands out as a can’t-miss event. As one of the largest and most innovative light and art festivals in the nation, it highlights both local talent and international artists, creating a unique blend of creativity, culture, and community. The 2024 Blink Festival is expected to be bigger and brighter than ever, offering visitors the chance to see the city in a completely new light—literally.
The combination of large-scale projection mapping, interactive art installations, and live performances make Blink a multi-sensory experience that appeals to people of all ages. It’s an ideal event for families, groups of friends, and art enthusiasts who want to explore the city in a new way. Each block holds something new, whether it’s a mural that comes to life with digital projections or an interactive piece that invites festival-goers to contribute to the art themselves.
Plan Your Visit: Blink and The Filson
As you plan your trip to Blink Cincinnati 2024, make sure to include some time to savor the local flavors. While the festival offers a visual spectacle, The Filson is the ideal spot to refuel and relax. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink between installations or enjoying a sit-down meal, The Filson delivers the perfect combination of great food, a convenient location, and an atmosphere that captures the energy of Blink.
