Looking for a Paint & Sip Near St. Pete? Here’s What to Expect
So you’re hunting for a paint & sip near St. Pete. Translation: you want a fun night out that’s not “loud bar where you can’t hear your own thoughts,” but also not “silent museum where you’re afraid to blink.”
Good news: paint & sip nights are one of the easiest ways to get out of the house, do something creative, and leave with something you made - even if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since middle school.
Here’s what you can realistically expect (the fun parts and the parts no one tells you until you’re already wearing paint).
1) You don’t need talent. You need a vibe.
Let’s kill the biggest fear first: you don’t have to be “good at art.”
Most people who attend paint & sip nights are there because they want:
a cute night out
a relaxed, creative activity
something different than dinner + drinks
a chance to digitally disconnect
If you can hold a brush and make decisions like “more pink or more blue,” you’re qualified.
2) There are two main styles: “Everyone paints the same thing” vs “Creative freedom”
This is the biggest difference between studios, and it changes your whole experience.
The classic paint & sip format
You’ll usually paint one specific image step-by-step (same subject, same general layout).
Pros:
easy, structured, brain-off
great for beginners
less decision fatigue
Cons:
sometimes feels like an assembly line
your painting can end up looking like everyone else’s (unless you rebel, which I support)
The “guided, but expressive” format
Still guided, but with more room for personal style - colors, texture, florals, backgrounds, etc.
Pros:
you get something more unique
more “I made this” energy
better for groups where people have different comfort levels
Cons:
slightly more choices to make (not hard, just more creative)
Tip: If you’re the type who freezes when someone says “now choose your colors,” pick the classic format. If you want something that feels more boutique and personal, choose the expressive style.
3) Expect a social night, but you can also go solo and still have fun
Paint & sip is usually a social event: friends, couples, birthdays, bachelorettes, mom/daughter nights, coworker outings.
But going solo is secretly underrated. You show up, get welcomed, and you’re instantly part of the room because everyone’s doing the same activity. It’s one of the easiest ways to be around people without the pressure of “make conversation nonstop.”
4) What you actually DO during the class
Most sessions follow a flow like this:
Check-in + seat assignment
Supplies are set up for you (canvas, paint, brushes, water, etc.)
Quick intro + what you’re making
Step-by-step instruction (with time to do your own thing)
Help as needed (the instructor usually does “rescue missions” if something goes sideways)
Wrap-up + photos + dry time tips
Some studios also include:
texture mediums / palette knives
upgraded canvases
special themes (holiday, coastal, abstract)
add-ons like extra surfaces (wine glasses, tote bags)
5) What to wear (because yes, paint happens)
Most paint & sip studios are pretty tidy — but paint still gets on things. My honest recommendations:
Wear something you wouldn’t cry over
Dark colors are safer
Sleeves that can roll up = smart
If you’re doing texture work, assume it’s messier than standard acrylic painting
Also: if you’re coming from dinner, bring a hair clip or tie. Paint + hair is a chaotic combo.
6) Food & drinks: BYOB vs “included” vs “available nearby”
This varies a lot, so it’s worth checking the listing before you book.
Common setups:
BYOB: bring your own wine/seltzers/snacks
Sip-friendly: they provide water/soft drinks and you bring the fun stuff
Nearby options: grab food and drinks before or after (or bring takeout)
If a studio offers charcuterie or snacks, it’s usually either:
included in the ticket price, or
an add-on upgrade
Tip: Don’t feel like you need alcohol to enjoy it. Plenty of people bring sparkling water, soda, or mocktails. The “sip” part is a vibe, not a legal requirement.
7) How long it takes (and what “beginner-friendly” really means)
Most sessions are 1.5–2.5 hours.
“Beginner-friendly” typically means:
you’ll be guided step-by-step
materials are ready
you’ll learn a few simple techniques
you’ll leave with a finished piece (not a half-painted canvas of despair)
If you’re booking with friends, two hours is the sweet spot: enough time to relax, not so long that everyone gets hungry and feral.
8) What you’ll take home (and how to transport it)
You’ll leave with:
your artwork (usually on a canvas)
sometimes a protective bag or box depending on the medium
drying tips (don’t stack it in your car like pancakes)
If it’s a texture piece, you may need to be more careful transporting it. Ask if it needs to stay flat.
9) How to choose the right paint & sip near St. Pete (and what to book at Apricity)
If you’re searching “paint & sip near St. Pete,” what you’re really choosing is the experience style. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly paint and sip, an adult art class near St. Pete, or a more elevated creative experience in Pinellas County, the best option depends on the vibe you want.
If you want a classic “paint & sip” where everyone paints the same thing…
Choose: a Guided Painting Session (step-by-step, one main image, easy pace).
Best for: first-timers, date night, groups that want structure, and anyone who prefers clear direction.
At Apricity: book a Guided Painting Session when you want low-stress instruction and a finished piece you feel proud of.
If you want something elevated and creative (less cookie-cutter)…
Choose: an Expressive Painting Experience (guided, but with personal style built in).
Best for: people who want their piece to feel unique, groups who love choosing colors, and anyone who hates the “assembly line” feel.
At Apricity: book Expressive Florals (and similar expressive themes) when you want structure plus room to make it your own.
If you want the biggest “wow, I made THAT” moment…
Choose: a Texture Art Experience (palette knives, dimensional mediums, tactile finishes).
Best for: people who want a statement piece, anyone bored of flat paint nights, and groups who want a more modern, boutique studio vibe.
At Apricity: book Texture Night when you want an elevated, gallery-feel creative night that still works for beginners.
If you want something playful and functional (not just a canvas)…
Choose: a Painted Keepsake Session (objects instead of canvas).
Best for: birthdays, girls’ night, and “I want something I’ll actually use” people.
At Apricity: book Wine Glass Painting for a relaxed, social paint night with a take-home piece you’ll keep reaching for.
If you want the most personal, meaningful outcome…
Choose: a Portrait-Style Experience (guided + customized).
Best for: pet lovers, meaningful gifts, and anyone who wants a more personal project with real instruction.
At Apricity: book Paint Your Pet Portrait if you want something sentimental and genuinely impressive — without it turning into a chaotic “why does my dog look like that?” moment.
FAQ: Paint & Sip Near St. Pete
1) Do I need to be good at painting to go to a paint & sip?
No. Most people are beginners. A good paint & sip (or adult art class) is designed so you can follow along, get help when you need it, and still leave with something you like.
2) What’s the difference between a paint & sip and an art class?
A traditional paint & sip is usually a fun, social, guided activity where everyone makes a similar piece. An art class can sound more serious, but many adult art classes near St. Pete are still relaxed and beginner-friendly - especially when they’re experience-based like painting sessions, texture art, or themed projects.
3) How long are paint & sip sessions usually?
Most are 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Two hours is the sweet spot for a fun night out — enough time to create without feeling like it takes over your whole evening.
4) What should I wear to a paint & sip?
Wear something comfortable that you wouldn’t be devastated to get paint on (even though most sessions are pretty tidy). Dark colors are safest, and sleeves that roll up are a bonus. Texture sessions can be a little messier than standard painting.
5) Is it BYOB?
It depends on the studio and location. Some paint & sip spots are BYOB, some provide drinks/snacks, and some are near restaurants so you can grab something before or after. Check the booking details so there are no surprises. Apricity Artworks offers complimentary refreshments during sessions.
6) What if I’m coming with a group—what’s the easiest option?
If your group has mixed comfort levels, pick something guided (like a classic paint & sip style session). If your group is more adventurous or wants something elevated, choose a texture art experience or an expressive session where everyone can personalize their piece.
7) Can I come solo, or is it mostly groups?
You can absolutely come solo. Paint & sip sessions are one of the easiest “solo-friendly” activities because you’re automatically doing something alongside others — social if you want it, peaceful if you don’t.
