Looking to host a creative social event that gets people talking, and painting? Say hello to the paint and sip, a crowd-pleasing experience where guests enjoy wine (or mocktails!) while following along with a guided painting session. Paint and sip events have become incredibly popular for friend groups, couples’ date nights, fundraising events, and even small businesses looking to bring something new to the community. 

Whether you’re planning your first paint and sip or looking to make your next one even better, this guide walks you through everything you need on how to host a paint and sip event, from choosing a theme to selling tickets online.

7 creative paint and sip ideas to keep people coming back

One of the best things about paint and sip events is how easy they are to customise. To start, here are some ideas to get creative with your theme and give guests a reason to come back again and again.

1. Couples' night

Invite couples to sit across from one another and paint each other’s portraits with plenty of artistic license allowed! It’s fun, lighthearted, and usually ends in laughter when the big reveal happens at the end. This makes a great Valentine’s Day or date-night event.

2. Holiday themes

Tap into the festive spirit with seasonal painting designs. Think Halloween pumpkins, Christmas trees, Valentine’s hearts, or even Aussie flags and fireworks for Australia Day. Guests will love leaving with a piece of art they can display during the holiday season.

3. Bob Ross night

Channel your inner Bob Ross with an instructor dressed up like the man himself. Encourage everyone to paint “happy little trees” while keeping the energy positive and relaxed. You can even play clips of his show in the background for extra inspiration.

4. Paint + live music

Combine the creativity of painting with the energy of live music. A jazz band, acoustic guitarist, or local singer-songwriter can set the perfect atmosphere. The mix of music and art makes the event feel more like a full night out than just a class.

5. Paint your pet

Have participants bring a photo of their furry (or feathery!) friend, and paint them step by step. Pet portraits are always a hit, and guests walk away with something deeply personal they can hang proudly at home.

6. Medium switch-up

Want to mix things up? Instead of sticking to acrylic on canvas, try watercolors, wood panels, or even sculpting clay for a fun twist. “Sculpt & Sip” or “Watercolor & Wine” are unique spins that keep your events fresh and exciting.

7. Family-friendly versions

Paint and sip doesn’t always have to mean alcohol. Host earlier sessions with mocktails, juice, or soda, and choose kid-friendly painting projects like animals or simple landscapes. Parents will appreciate an activity the whole family can enjoy.

7 essential steps to hosting a paint and sip

Planning a paint and sip event can be such a fun, rewarding experience! Whether you're looking to host a casual gathering, a fundraiser, or a creative night out, we've got you covered. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to make your event a hit, from choosing the perfect venue to managing the drinks and supplies like a pro!

Step 1: Choose the right venue

Look for event venues with good lighting, enough table space, and easy accessibility. Partnering with a local business can also help cut down on rental fees or boost your marketing reach. Here are a few types of venues to consider!

• Restaurants or bars: These venues are already licensed to serve alcohol, which takes a huge task off your plate. Many owners love hosting paint and sip nights because it brings in new customers and keeps regulars around longer. Plus, food and drink service is already built in.
  
• Coffee shops: Perfect for non-alcoholic or daytime events, coffee shops create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere that’s great for a casual paint and sip. You can pair the painting session with lattes, pastries, or even themed seasonal drinks.
  
• Community centers or event spaces: These are usually budget-friendly and can be arranged to fit groups of all sizes. They’re especially good for fundraisers, large parties, or family-friendly paint and sips since you have full control over the layout and amenities.

Step 2: Gather the necessary supplies

You can purchase materials in bulk, rent supplies, or collaborate with a local art store to sponsor or co-host the event. Then, choose your painting project and the needed supplies based on your audience. Hosting an event for beginners? Keep it simple and colorful. A more advanced crowd? Add layers or shading techniques.

Here's your basic paint and sip checklist:

• Canvases or other surfaces (paper, wood, etc.)
• Acrylic paints (or medium of choice)
• Paintbrushes
• Easels
• Aprons or smocks
• Cups of water, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
• On the sip side of things, don’t forget wine glasses, corkscrews, pitchers for mocktails, or anything else that makes the drink experience smooth.

Step 3: Manage the “Sip” side of the event

Wine and paint pair perfectly, but it’s important to handle alcohol responsibly. Let’s dive into a few tips to smoothly manage this:

• If serving alcohol, make sure your venue has the appropriate liquor licence.
• Offer options: red, white, maybe a signature cocktail or go the non-alcoholic route with mocktails and sparkling juices.
• Consider offering food like light hors d’oeuvres or snacks to keep people energised and help balance out the drinks.
• Always confirm guests are 18+, and consider hiring security or ID checkers for larger events.
• Want to include all ages? Host a dry “paint and sip” with coffee, tea, or soda!

Step 4: Hire an instructor or lead the event yourself

An engaging instructor is an essential factor to the success of your night. You could hire a local artist, art teacher, or even a talented friend who loves being in front of a crowd. If you’d rather lead it yourself, practice your art project’s steps in advance so you can confidently guide the group while keeping things fun. Some organisers also use pre-recorded tutorials or printed guides as a backup, especially for larger events.

No matter who leads, the secret is simple: provide clear instructions, give plenty of encouragement, and maintain a positive atmosphere.

Step 5: Set up ticketing and pricing

Once your plan is set, it’s time to start selling tickets! Start by mapping out your costs (such as venue rental, supplies, instructor, food, and drinks) so you can price tickets accordingly. Many organisers like to offer tiered pricing, such as general admission, couples’ discounts, or VIP tables with extra perks.

Using a ticketing platform like TicketLeap makes this step a breeze. You can launch a professional ticketing page, sell tickets online, send automated reminders, and manage RSVPs without spreadsheets or manual sign-ups.

Step 6: Market your paint and sip event

Time to spread the word about your paint and sip! Here are a few ways to best promote your event:

• Social media: Share sneak peeks of the artwork, behind-the-scenes prep, or fun countdown posts. Take it a step further by posting photos from past events to show what guests can expect.
• Email marketing: Tap into your mailing list to invite past attendees or connect with local community groups.
• Local partnerships: Collaborate with a wine shop, art supply store, or influencer to reach new audiences.
• Referral or discount programs: Encourage guests to bring a friend by offering small discounts or “bring-a-buddy” deals.

Want a deep dive into even more expert tips? Check out our event marketing guide for a full breakdown.

Step 7: Ensure a smooth event experience

The big day has arrived, and it’s time to make it memorable! Double-check your supplies, confirm your instructor’s timing, and make sure the venue is set up exactly as you planned. Play background music that matches your theme, set up fun decor, and greet your guests warmly at the door.

Small touches like name tags, drink tickets, a photo booth, or branded bags for taking their artwork home can also elevate the experience. You can also keep energy high with contests, raffles, or a group photo to wrap things up. These finishing touches leave guests talking and ready to sign up for your next event.

Bring your paint and sip to life

Hosting a paint and sip is a fantastic way to bring people together, get creative, and maybe even build a side hustle. All it takes is the right plan, the right promotion, and the right ticketing solution to get people in the door.

Ready to host your own paint and sip? Get started with an easy-to-use platform like TicketLeap to streamline event registration, payments, and promotion. Let the painting (and sipping) begin!