When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Painting with a Twist
Why Painting with a Twist is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Painting with a Twist offers a vibrant and unique social experience that combines artistic expression with the enjoyment of wine, making it an ideal venue for friends to gather, relax, and create lasting memories. Founded in 2007 in New Orleans as a post-Hurricane Katrina community uplifting initiative, this innovative paint-and-sip concept has grown rapidly to more than 200 studios across 39 states. Guests enjoy guided painting sessions where artist-entertainers lead step-by-step tutorials, allowing even complete beginners to create impressive artwork while sipping their favorite beverages. The atmosphere is lively, casual, and festive, emphasizing fun over technique and welcoming a broad adult demographic, predominantly women, seeking a creative escape and social connection. Beyond weekly public sessions, Painting with a Twist caters to private parties, corporate events, and special occasions, offering multiple ways to celebrate with friends or colleagues in a supportive, engaging environment. The studios are well-equipped and maintain a large library of copyrighted designs to inspire guests. This accessible blend of entertainment and creativity encourages repeat visits and turns casual participants into enthusiastic fans eager to share the experience with others, establishing Painting with a Twist as a go-to destination for fun, art, and socializing.
Here's what people think of Painting with a Twist
As of recent, Painting with a Twist holds a 4.8-star rating based on 191 reviews.
User reviews of Painting with a Twist highlight a predominantly positive reception, reflected in a 4.8-star rating from 191 reviews. Customers frequently commend the welcoming and fun atmosphere where painting becomes an enjoyable social activity, even for novices. Many enjoyed the step-by-step guidance provided by engaging instructors, which helps demystify the artistic process and boosts confidence. Reviewers particularly appreciate the BYOB flexibility, allowing guests to bring their favorite drinks to enhance the relaxed vibe. The ability to create personalized artworks to take home adds a tangible, rewarding aspect to the experience, fueling return visits. On the flip side, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as limited physical space in certain studios, which can make seating and movement feel cramped, diminishing comfort during sessions. A few also mentioned variability in instructor quality and pacing, suggesting some classes may move too quickly or slowly for all participants. Pricing was occasionally perceived as slightly high, especially compared to other local entertainment options, although most felt the value justified the cost. Overall, the review landscape portrays Painting with a Twist as a largely successful and beloved franchise that delivers consistent enjoyment and social engagement, with minor areas for operational improvements identified by the community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Gina Zanutto
This was my first time attending a painting class, and it was delightful! Very relaxed environment in a cool historic building downtown. Good class size, no-pressure instruction, and easy-to-understand directions and materials. Reminiscent of fun school day art classes (aside from the well-stocked bar). Joe, our artist and host, was patient, thorough, and funny. Owner Caroline was also on site, and she was very sweet and helpful. Overall, a great experience - perfect for a date, birthday party, girls' night, whatever!
Traci Mays
PWAT was a blast. Cindy was fantastic! Our artwork came out beautiful! Cindy was so helpful and patient with our group. Will definitely come back soon!
Jante Shields
Me and my mom had an amazing time at PWAT!! Mrs. Cindy was absolutely amazing! She was so sweet, knowledgeable, patience and made each of us feel seen and heard. 10/10 do recommend! This was a wonderful way to celebrate my mom’s birthday!
Carolyn Angiollo
This was a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Karen was a great instructor and even supported me as I went rogue and opted to add a dragon to my painting that was supposed to be cacti
Samantha Nickol
Heather was our instructor tonight! She was great! My mother and I went, it was my first time and she has been here before. I had a great time and will definitely be back!
How to reach Painting with a Twist
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Why Painting with a Twist may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Painting with a Twist with your friends? This unique venue combines art, social interaction, and a relaxed atmosphere to offer an experience that goes beyond typical gatherings. At Painting with a Twist, friends can come together to enjoy creative expression while sipping on their favorite beverages, creating a perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Unlike standard night-outs or dining experiences, this activity fosters collaboration, conversation, and laughter in an innovative setting that encourages everyone to tap into their artistic side without pressure. The studio’s welcoming and safe environment ensures that even those who feel they "can’t paint" will feel comfortable and supported, making it ideal for friends looking to bond over something fresh and memorable. Whether it’s a casual hangout, a birthday celebration, or a special occasion, the engaging format—led by skilled artist-instructors—transforms the visit into a shared adventure that results in tangible memories: personalized artworks to take home. This balance of entertainment, creativity, and socializing makes Painting with a Twist a top choice for groups wanting to rally in a fun and meaningful way.
What kind of activities does Painting with a Twist offer, and why is it perfect for group meetups? Painting with a Twist primarily offers guided painting classes where participants follow step-by-step instructions from professional artists to create a painting while enjoying their choice of wine or other beverages. These paint and sip sessions include a variety of curated artwork designs ranging from landscapes to pop culture themes, ensuring there’s something that appeals to every group. Additionally, the venue regularly hosts themed events and private parties, perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, corporate team-building, or family reunions. The interactive format encourages conversation and collaboration, making it easy to connect with friends during the process. Moreover, Painting with a Twist accommodates groups of different sizes with flexible booking options, from intimate gatherings to larger parties. The staff’s focus on creating a cheerful and supportive ambiance means that everyone from novices to experienced painters will enjoy the creative journey together, making it a uniquely immersive social experience.
How does Painting with a Twist create a memorable experience for groups? The experience at Painting with a Twist is carefully designed to be both entertaining and rewarding. Each session is led by an artist-entertainer who not only guides the painting but also makes the atmosphere lively and interactive. The presence of these talented instructors helps lower any artistic hesitation participants might feel, as they cheer on every brushstroke and offer encouragement throughout. Coupled with the option to enjoy wine or other drinks responsibly, the setting becomes festive and relaxing, removing typical social inhibitions. Completing a painting provides participants with a sense of accomplishment and a personalized keepsake that reminds them of the fun shared with friends. The studio space is decorated to be welcoming and inspiring, enhancing the social and creative vibe. Group members can chat freely, take photos, and create new memories centered around creativity and camaraderie, ensuring that the outing is as meaningful as it is fun.
Why is Painting with a Twist ideal for diverse occasions and groups? Painting with a Twist offers versatility that makes it appropriate for a wide variety of gatherings. Whether planning a casual night out, a child’s birthday party, a couple’s date, or a corporate event, the studio adapts to meet different group needs and goals. Their event packages can be customized, including private bookings and special themes, allowing groups to tailor the experience to their specific celebration or purpose. Corporate teams benefit particularly from the interactive and relaxed setting, which fosters team bonding and creativity away from the usual office environment. Families and friends find the setting perfect for all ages and skill levels, making sure no one feels out of place. The franchise’s long-standing reputation and extensive network across many states guarantee a professional and well-organized outing at every location. This flexibility combined with a reliable format makes Painting with a Twist a universally appealing destination.
What sets Painting with a Twist apart from other social gatherings? Unlike typical dining or bar experiences, Painting with a Twist is an event that engages guests in hands-on creativity while still fostering social interaction in an informal environment. The combination of guided art instruction and casual sipping creates a unique atmosphere where people can express themselves artistically without judgment or pressure to be perfect. This focus on fun over technique removes barriers for first-time painters and encourages more playful and relaxed participation. The company’s origins in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina also emphasize its commitment to community and joy even in difficult times. Hosting more than 10 million guests who have created their own paintings, Painting with a Twist leverages its leadership as the original paint and sip experience to deliver exceptional quality and consistent enjoyment. Its dedicated team ensures that every aspect—from supplies to service—is optimized for guest satisfaction, making it more than just an activity but a memorable event group members will cherish.
How does the venue handle artistic and party needs simultaneously? Painting with a Twist expertly blends the dual roles of art studio and party venue. Its studios are equipped with quality paints, canvases, brushes, and comfortable seating designed to accommodate groups socializing while they paint. The professional instructors serve as both art teachers and event hosts, managing the flow of the session while keeping the mood light and engaging. The presence of bar services for wine and beverages complements the artistic activity, elevating the social aspect without distracting from the creative process. Additionally, the spaces are arranged to encourage group interaction and allow casual chatting between instructions, striking a balance between focused creativity and festive fun. The venue staff handles logistics like booking, setup, and clean-up, ensuring groups can focus on enjoying themselves without hassle. This seamless integration of art education and party hosting is what makes Painting with a Twist so popular for group meetups.
What logistical advantages does Painting with a Twist offer for groups planning their events? Planning a group event can be daunting, but Painting with a Twist simplifies the process with easy-to-book sessions and flexible scheduling. Groups can choose from public classes or arrange private events tailored to their needs, complete with custom artwork options and add-ons such as food and beverage packages. The franchise model ensures consistent service quality and availability across more than 200 locations, making it accessible for groups in various cities. Their online booking system provides convenience and transparency in pricing, and staff members are experienced in handling groups of all sizes with professionalism. Furthermore, the company’s focus on safety and cleanliness creates a worry-free environment, especially important for gatherings during times of heightened health awareness. These logistical features allow groups to plan ahead confidently, knowing their event will run smoothly and be enjoyable for everyone involved.
How does Painting with a Twist encourage creativity in a non-intimidating way? One of the biggest hurdles for many people wanting to try painting is the fear of not being "good enough." Painting with a Twist removes this barrier by emphasizing an approachable, fun-oriented teaching style. The instructions are broken down step by step by instructors who make art accessible without focusing on perfection. The studio setting encourages exploration, mistakes, and laughter rather than critique. Participants are reassured that the goal is not to create a masterpiece worthy of hanging in a gallery but to enjoy the process and create something personal and unique. This inclusive approach has made Painting with a Twist popular especially among adult women and beginners who appreciate a supportive environment to try new creative outlets. By lowering the stakes and increasing the enjoyment, the venue inspires new artists to express themselves confidently and return for more.
What community and charitable aspects enhance the Painting with a Twist experience? Beyond providing entertainment, Painting with a Twist has a reputation for community engagement and philanthropy. Since its founding in 2007 in New Orleans, the company has maintained a strong commitment to giving back, having donated more than $2.7 million through its charity initiative, Painting with a Purpose. This charitable arm connects the joy of painting with meaningful support for local organizations and causes. Customers who participate in special fundraising events or community classes can feel that their time and money are contributing to positive impacts beyond their own enjoyment. This deeper purpose enriches the experience for groups mindful of social responsibility, adding a meaningful dimension to their outing. The company’s rootedness in community makes meeting at Painting with a Twist not only fun but also socially fulfilling.
What overall benefits do guests gain from a visit to Painting with a Twist? Guests leave Painting with a Twist with more than just a finished painting; they gain social connection, relaxation, and creative fulfillment. The joyful and lighthearted environment helps reduce stress and fosters positive emotions, which are beneficial for mental well-being. The activity encourages mindfulness and presence, as painting requires focus away from daily distractions. Groups that come together experience increased bonding from shared creative achievement and laughter. The venue’s professional facilitation ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, feels successful and included. Ultimately, a visit to Painting with a Twist is a unique blend of art, entertainment, and community that offers lasting memories and new skills, making it a truly worthwhile destination for friends and family gatherings.