Blink gets weird: What to see beyond the light installations

Why it matters: Blink is massive, so consider this your shortcut to some of the strangest stuff on the schedule.

🦨 Double the skunks: The Art Academy of Cincinnati is going all-in on its mascot, Stinker the Skunk, with a giant illuminated inflatable version on display.

• Then Saturday afternoon, Marshmallow (a real Cincinnati Zoo skunk) will visit as part of the academy's Polka-DOTober celebration.

• Stick around from 7-11pm Saturday for Stinkstock, the academy's annual live music and spoken-word blowout.

🕯️ P&G goes back to its roots: The Cincinnati company that got its start making candles in 1837 will help kick off Blink Thursday with — what else? — a giant candle.

• P&G Design and local creative agency AGAR created the sculpture, with Blink's vertical logo serving as the flame.
• The installation is a nod to the company's candle-making origins and will be part of the festival's opening-night celebration.

🔥 Play with fire: Fire performers take over the Art Academy Friday and Saturday nights.

🛼 Skate under the Roebling: Skate Downtown Cincy will host nighttime roller skating at Smale Riverfront Park beneath the suspension bridge from 7-11pm all four nights.

🎧 Party quietly: Findlay Market's Farm Shed turns into a free silent disco from 8-10:30pm Friday and Saturday.

🦸 Cosplay after dark: Asianati Night Market will host a cosplay contest at 7pm Saturday on Court Street Plaza.