Social Painting Nights in New Zealand
A Creative Night Out at the Bar
Social painting events are a fun and relaxed way to spend an evening – combining creativity, good company, and the atmosphere of your favourite local bar. If you've been curious about what happens at one of these events, this guide will walk you through what to expect from a Paintvine social painting night.
Whether you're planning a date night, a catch-up with friends, or simply looking for something different to do, social painting offers a creative experience anyone can enjoy.
What Is a Social Painting Event?
Painting, Wine and a Relaxed Bar Environment
Imagine sitting down with a canvas and paintbrush while enjoying the lively atmosphere of a local bar. A social painting event is a guided painting experience designed for beginners and casual creatives alike.
Everything you need is provided – canvas, paints, brushes and an apron. An instructor guides the group step by step so you can create your own artwork, even if you’ve never painted before.
These events are hosted in bars and hospitality venues across New Zealand, which means you can purchase wine, beer, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks from the bar while you paint. Drinks aren’t included with your ticket – they’re available to order from the venue, which is part of what makes the experience feel like a night out rather than a traditional art class.
Social Painting in New Zealand – The Paintvine Story
A Kiwi Take on Creative Nights Out
Paintvine helped introduce the concept of social painting events to New Zealand when founders Alex and Denym launched the business in 2017.
Inspired by creative painting nights they had experienced overseas, they brought the idea to Aotearoa and partnered with local bars and venues to create relaxed adult painting events that anyone could attend.
Since then, Paintvine has hosted thousands of events across the country, giving people the chance to try painting in a friendly, social setting.
What to Expect at a Social Painting Night
A Beginner-Friendly Painting Experience
If you’ve never attended a social painting event before, the experience is simple and welcoming.
When you arrive, your canvas and painting materials will be set up and ready to go. Once everyone is seated, the friendly instructor walks the group through the painting step by step, breaking it down into easy stages.
There’s plenty of time to chat, laugh and enjoy the atmosphere while you paint. Guests can also purchase food and drinks from the bar throughout the evening if they wish.
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a finished artwork to take home – and usually a few good laughs along the way!
Why Social Painting Is One of the Most Popular Group Activities
A Fun Alternative to Traditional Nights Out
Social painting has become a popular activity for a wide range of occasions across New Zealand.
People attend for:
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Date nights
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Birthday celebrations
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Hen parties
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Team building events
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Catch-ups with friends
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Trying something creative for the first time
Because the experience is guided and relaxed, it works just as well for complete beginners as it does for people who already enjoy painting.
Unique Painting Events from Paintvine
Themed Painting Nights and Creative Experiences
Alongside its classic social painting events, Paintvine also hosts a variety of themed experiences.
Some favourites include Paint Your Pet, where guests paint a portrait of their own pet, and the glow-in-the-dark creativity of the After Dark series.
Paintvine has also collaborated with well-known drag performers Anita Wigl'it and Kita Mean to create Dragvine – a unique painting event combining art, entertainment and plenty of laughs.
These themed events bring a fresh twist to the social painting experience.
Looking for Social Painting Events Near You?
Join a Paintvine Event in New Zealand
A social painting event is more than just a painting class – it’s a relaxed night out where creativity and socialising come together.
If you're looking for something different to do, gather a few friends, head to your local venue, and try a Paintvine event.
Order a drink from the bar, pick up a brush, and see what you can create.
Drink.🍷 Paint.🎨 Just don't drink the paint.®
