As It Happens
You certainly BLINKed this year!
The four-day art and light festival, the largest in the nation, was a clear front runner for the year’s best event. But some traditional favorites made the list, too.
Find out more about what the folks who shared their favorite events of 2024 here.
“Can it be anything but BLINK?! What an amazing display of how our region's arts are defining us on the national stage. ArtsWave is proud to be the illuminating sponsor of the event and we could not have been happier with how everything went,” said Alecia Kintner
Among the other BLINK stans were Lauren Artino, Tasha Pinelo, Jackie Reau and Tricia Suit. Both Kathrine Nero and Krista Katona Pille pointed out how BLINK showcased how special Cincinnati is.
“Blink was so much fun this year,” said Jayne Utter. “So much to see and so much to do! I was able to hit most every area. The new Covington area was great.
Of course the Reds Opening Day Parade – a celebration of a holiday of our very own – was a high point, singled out Julie Calvert, Megan Coffey, and Tasha Pinelo.
Other top picks:
“IN5 fundraiser at the Freedom Center, which raised money for the organization that works to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness.”
– Robin Burrow
“Hyde Park's 4th of July”
– Tim David
“Bourbon & Beyond.”
– Susan Fisher
“The LPGA was such a great experience this year! We had some of the best golfers in the world here in Cincy!”
– Shae Huth
Anytime there is an event that Film Cincinnati hosts, I want to be there. The Live at Lunch with Christine Vachon talking about the Business of Filmmaking was amazing.
– Julie Kirkpatrick
“Pride Parade.”
–Evans Mirageas
Courtesy Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
“Okay, I’m a bit biased here, but Play in the Park gets my vote without hesitation. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from early June to early August, Kennedy Park (right on the border of Kennedy Heights and Pleasant Ridge) transforms into this vibrant community hub. The lineup is always eclectic—funk one week, bluegrass the next, maybe some Latin rhythms or rock thrown in for good measure. It’s like a musical sampler platter showcasing the incredible diversity of talent and tastes in the neighborhood.
And it’s not just about the music! There are arts and crafts for the kids, games, snacks, and the backdrop of a beautiful natural setting to tie it all together. Oh, and did I mention it’s completely free? Free music, free activities, free fun—it doesn’t get better than that.”
– Doug Olberding
“I loved Oktoberfest in it’s new location at Sawyer Point!”
– Courtney Tomasetti
“Santa repelling from a building on Fountain Square because it’s such a wild and uniquely Cincinnati holiday tradition!”
– Christina Vassalo