Covington will launch an Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) during BLINK 2026, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors can experience the festival while enjoying Covington’s restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
The EDC will be in operation throughout BLINK, October 8-11, from 7-11 p.m. each night.
The EDC allows customers to walk through the designated area with open containers of alcohol in specially marked cups. Participating licensed alcoholic beverage establishments will be able to serve customers who wish to enjoy their beverages while walking within the designated EDC during BLINK.
Businesses participating in the EDC will provide the specially marked cups for alcoholic beverages that are permitted to leave their licensed premises. Visitors should remain within the designated EDC when walking with an open container and follow all applicable alcohol-service requirements.
Participating Businesses
The 18 businesses participating in Covington’s EDC are:
- Agave & Rye
- Braxton Brewing Company
- Carmelo’s Restaurant
- Covington Yard
- dEcORa
- Dice on Draft
- FrostHaus
- The Globe
- The Hannaford
- Knowledge Bar and Social Room
- KungFood Amerasia
- Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Bar
- Ripple Wine Bar
- Smoke Justis
- The Well
- Up There
- Wabi Sabi
- Wenzel Distillery
The EDC provides an opportunity for visitors to explore Covington’s vibrant entertainment district while experiencing BLINK’s art and light installations throughout the City.
Street Closures
To create a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment during BLINK, several streets within the EDC will be closed to vehicle traffic. The area encompassed by these street closures will establish the boundaries of the City’s EDC.
The following streets will be closed:
- E. Third Street from Scott Street to Greenup Street
- Park Place from Scott Street to Greenup Street
- Court Street
- E. Fourth Street from Madison Avenue to Greenup Street
- Scott Street from E. Third Street to E. Fifth Street
- Madison Avenue from E. Fourth Street to E. Eighth Street
- Electric Alley from E. Fourth Street to E. Fifth Street
- Tobacco Alley from Madison Avenue to Scott Street
- W. Pike Street from Washington Street to Madison Avenue
- W. Seventh Street from Washington Street to Madison Avenue
W. Fifth Street will remain open to vehicle traffic.
Covington Police officers will be stationed on W. Fifth Street between Madison Avenue and Scott Street to help ensure the area remains safe for pedestrians within the EDC.
Enjoy BLINK Responsibly
The EDC is intended to support a vibrant festival environment while maintaining responsible alcohol service, public safety, and compliance with Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) requirements.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted signage and directions from City staff and law enforcement, and enjoy BLINK responsibly.