In this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Leslie Mooney, Executive Director of BLINK, to talk about the people, creativity and downright magic behind one of Cincinnati’s most unforgettable experiences.

From 30 city blocks spanning two states to artists representing nearly 50 countries, BLINK transforms Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky into a massive celebration of light, art, and connection. Leslie takes us behind the scenes of what it actually takes to bring an event of this scale to life, and what drew her to the challenge after more than a decade leading the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

They talk projection mapping, larger-than-life installations, new murals, drone shows, hidden gems, the brand-new Ready, Set, BLINK! opening celebration, and even a few insider tips for making the most of the weekend.

But beyond the lights, this conversation is about something bigger: what happens when a city comes together.

For Leslie, BLINK is about creating shared experiences, those rare moments when strangers stop, look up, talk to each other, and experience a sense of wonder together. It’s about discovering a street you’ve never walked down, seeing a familiar building in a completely different way, and feeling proud of the place you call home.

Plus, Leslie shares what’s new for 2026, what she hopes millions of visitors take away from the experience, and why the ultimate reaction she wants to hear at the end of it all is simple:

“Wow.”

BLINK returns October 8–11, 2026.

Get your walking shoes ready. Charge your phone. Wear something that lights up. And prepare to see Cincinnati in a whole new way.