When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin 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 is a leading paint-and-sip franchise offering a unique and enjoyable way to socialize while exploring creativity. Established in 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the company pioneered the paint-and-sip model, blending step-by-step art instruction with a lively, relaxed atmosphere where participants can enjoy their favorite beverages. The experience typically lasts about two hours and is guided by talented studio artists who help guests create personalized paintings, regardless of skill level. The studios provide all art supplies, making it easy for anyone to join and have fun. Beyond individual classes, Painting with a Twist hosts a variety of events including group parties, team-building activities, and private celebrations, making it an ideal spot to meet up with friends or to celebrate special occasions. Its festive environment, often enhanced by upbeat music and interactive games, encourages socializing and laughter, ensuring a memorable outing. The franchise has expanded to over 180 locations across 39 states, serving a broad adult demographic with a particular appeal to women but welcoming all adults. Its non-traditional focus prioritizes fun and creativity over technical art skills, creating an inclusive and inviting setting for artists of all levels.
Here's what people think of Painting with a Twist
As of recent, Painting with a Twist holds a 5-star rating based on 280 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Painting with a Twist for its friendly and supportive instructors who make painting accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including complete beginners. Many reviewers highlight the welcoming and festive atmosphere where guests can relax, socialize, and express themselves creatively. Positive feedback often mentions the helpful guidance during sessions, the quality of the provided art materials, and the fun combination of painting and sipping beverages. Guests also appreciate the interactive elements like painting games which add a unique, playful dimension to the experience. On the downside, some customers note that popular time slots may fill quickly, so early registration is advised to secure a spot. A few reviews mention occasional variations in studio space or scheduling that can impact the overall experience, but these critiques are comparatively rare. Overall, the overwhelmingly favorable reviews emphasize Painting with a Twist as a fun, creative outlet and a great way to spend time with friends or even meet new ones. The positive social and artistic atmosphere, combined with professional instruction and inclusive environment, makes it stand out in the paint-and-sip industry.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Carly
Had a Great time! Instructor was helpful, patient and taught us some great painting techniques. My husband and I enjoyed ourselves.
Red Sox
We have done a lot of painting with PWT and always have a blast. No two are alike and instructors are fabulous. On 3/7 we painted with Izzy- awesome night! On 3/16 we painted with Hannia- she’s hilarious and awesome! Thanks for giving us fun date nights!
Amanda Merritt
I planned a birthday party for my best friend here with a group of 8 people and it was incredible! I had done it before but not in a large group. The instruction is so clear and it’s such a fun and relaxing atmosphere! They were also so easy to communicate with to plan the party and so helpful in every way! Love it here!
Amanda Panda ATX
Rod (like a fishing rod) was great!! He was funny, patient, and super helpful with making sure we had what we needed (or wanted) for all of our individual paintings. Highly recommend! I will be back!! I'm looking forward to sending in a pic of my doggies so I can paint them!!
Haley Alt
Ginger was such a delight to have! She came to our office for a corporate paint and sip after our work hours. It was a very fun, exhilarating 2 hours as we all listened to her lovely explanations and enjoyed wine and cheese. We had some who were nervous about painting but they did an amazing job and Ginger was so encouraging. The coordinating I worked with to make the event happen were friendly, easy to work with, and the whole process was very straightforward. I'd recommend Painting with a Twist to anyone who wants to have a darn good time!
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? Imagine a place where creativity flows freely, laughter fills the air, and every moment is designed to bring people closer together while having a blast. Painting with a Twist offers exactly that—a vibrant, welcoming environment tailored for socializing and artistic expression. It’s not just a studio; it’s a celebration of friendship and fun, where even those with zero painting experience feel comfortable and inspired. The appeal lies in its unique combination of guided painting sessions paired with sipping your favorite beverage, creating an atmosphere that blends relaxation, entertainment, and a touch of challenge. Whether you’re looking to bond through creativity, celebrate a special occasion, or simply unwind after a busy week, Painting with a Twist delivers an experience that appeals to everyone. The energy of the room, the ease of following professional artist-instructors, and the joy of creating your own artwork make it the perfect destination to rally your friends for an unforgettable outing.
What makes this venue exceptionally suited for group meetups is its spacious, designed-for-fun studios that accommodate a range of group sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger parties. The setup encourages collaboration and conversation, ensuring that no one feels left out. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy the process; the step-by-step instruction empowers everyone to succeed and be proud of their unique creation. The option to bring or enjoy wine, cocktails, or other beverages adds a festive twist, enhancing the social aspect of the event. Moreover, since the business prioritizes a relaxed and safe environment, attendees can let their guard down and be themselves. This mix of art, venue, and vibe has earned Painting with a Twist a solid reputation, backed by an outstanding 5.0 rating from 280 reviewers, underlining how consistently well it delivers on its promise of fun and connection.
What activities does Painting with a Twist offer that make it perfect for your group? The core experience revolves around guided painting sessions where a skilled artist leads the group through the creation of a specific artwork, tailored to different themes, skill levels, and seasons. You will receive all the supplies you need: canvas, brushes, and paint. These classes are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all participants, whether they’re first-timers or regular painters. The interactive nature of the session means you can ask questions, share tips, and cheer each other on, building an instant camaraderie. Each completed painting is a personalized trophy marking a fun outing and a creative achievement.
Beyond the standard painting classes, Painting with a Twist hosts a variety of events tailored for different occasions. They offer private parties perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, corporate team-building, or just casual get-togethers. These private events often include customized themes or special art projects to match your celebratory mood, ensuring a personalized experience. The studio can also coordinate group activities that integrate fun challenges, collaborative art pieces, or themed nights that keep things exciting and fresh. Moreover, for those who want to deepen their art skills, there are specialty workshops focusing on techniques like acrylic pouring or seasonal crafts, adding layers of learning and fun for those interested.
Why is Painting with a Twist particularly ideal for social meetups and group entertainment? The business was founded with social connection at its heart—it started in 2007 as a creative outlet for people to unwind and enjoy themselves, especially after stressful times. Its concept is straightforward yet powerful: combine the joy of painting with the casual pleasure of sipping a drink in a lively, supportive atmosphere. This makes it a natural fit for groups looking to spend quality time together with a fresh twist on typical outings. Unlike more passive hangouts, Painting with a Twist actively engages everyone, sparking creativity and conversation alike. The presence of professional artist-entertainers who guide the process enhances the overall enjoyment, removing the intimidation some might feel about art and replacing it with excitement.
The atmosphere at Painting with a Twist is crafted to encourage inclusivity and fun. It caters to a wide adult demographic, with a friendly vibe that appeals particularly to women but welcomes all. The environment feels like a blend of an art class and a social party, complete with upbeat music, good lighting, and all the amenities you need to be comfortable and sociable. The availability of food and drinks, including wine options, elevates the experience, making it feel special without being pretentious. All of these elements together create a setting that naturally brings groups closer, be they families, coworkers, or friends catching up. The positive reviews and return customers attest to how well the studio succeeds in making every visit memorable.
How does Painting with a Twist ensure a safe, easy, and memorable experience during group events? The organization handles all the logistics so your group can focus purely on enjoying the moment. When you book a session or party, staff assist with setup and provide guidance throughout, meaning no one has to worry about managing supplies or instructions. The professional artists running the sessions are experienced at engaging diverse groups and making the art process fun and simple to follow. This lowers any barriers to participation and boosts everyone’s confidence and enjoyment. Additionally, Painting with a Twist emphasizes a clean and welcoming space that respects group needs and ensures comfort for all guests.
The studio also offers flexibility in scheduling and event customization, accommodating various group sizes and preferences, so you can tailor your meetup to your goals—whether that’s a relaxed evening of discovery or a lively celebration. Having your artwork at the end of the session gives a lasting memory for the group, something to take home and reflect on the great time shared. The combination of expert facilitation, thoughtful environment, and social elements creates a seamless, repeatable formula for special occasions or casual fun that your group will appreciate and remember.
In summary, Painting with a Twist stands out as a top destination for group meetups due to its innovative paint-and-sip concept, outstanding social atmosphere, and excellent customer reviews. Its approach makes art accessible and engaging for all, blending creativity with entertainment in a way that naturally enhances friendships. Whether looking for a lively girls’ night out, a unique family activity, or a refreshing team-building experience, Painting with a Twist offers something memorable for everyone. The studio’s attention to detail, welcoming vibe, and ability to host a variety of customized events make it a prime choice to rally your friends or family for an inspiring and enjoyable gathering.