
Looking for a fun night out in Tempe? Join us for Paint Nite with Ryan Merrill at Alter Ego Tempe — the perfect mix of creativity, drinks, and good vibes! Whether you're a total beginner or just looking to shake up your weekend plans, this is your chance to unwind, get inspired, and paint your own masterpiece with step-by-step guidance from local artist Ryan Merrill. No experience needed, and all supplies are included — just bring your crew (or come solo!), grab a drink, and get ready for a night of laughs, color, and fun you won’t forget. Spots fill fast — reserve yours now and make it a creative night out in Tempe!
At Alter Ego, we embrace the essence of both traditional and modern flavors, catering to a diverse range of palates. The menu at our Tempe restaurant showcases a fusion of Asian-inspired creations and beloved classics, ensuring that every guest finds their perfect dish.



Stylish eatery & bar in the Hilton Hotel serving New American dishes, cocktails & beer on tap.
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Hosting Paintinite events since 2015, with over 1700 public events! I’ve dabbled in short films, and commercials. Illustrator of 3 published graphic novels and cover artist for a handful of books. My wife and I have lived and worked in Budapest for 3 years 2009-2012. Huge fan of the MCU!
Questions about what to expect, what’s included, and how it all works.
Yes. Beach Bug is designed to be achievable at any experience level. More satisfying than it looks difficult — Ryan breaks every step down clearly. Most of our guests have never picked up a brush before, and they leave with something they're genuinely proud of. Worth knowing: Paint Nite events happen at real bars and restaurants, not studios — it's a night out that happens to involve painting.
A painting class teaches you technique. Paint Nite gives you a finished painting and a good night. Ryan is a real local artist — not a teacher running a curriculum — and this event happens at Alter Ego Tempe, a real local spot, not a studio. Paint Nite invented this format in 2012 and has sold more than 10 million tickets. The trade-off is honest: lighting varies, it can get loud, and the person at the next easel is a stranger. That's the point. It's more of a night out than a class.
Ryan is a real local artist based in Tempe — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 7 out of 9 guests who've painted with Ryan say the instruction was amazing. Mike K. said: 'Super fun and an easy way to start painting'
Alter Ego Tempe is a local venue in Tempe — a real local spot, not a dedicated painting studio. Paint Nite events happen at places like this by design — venues with character, regulars, and a bar. It can get lively. That's what makes it a night out rather than a class.
Yes — we have 7 upcoming events in Tempe this month. You can view them here.
Beach Bug is a summer painting — bright, warm tones that match the season perfectly.
Yaymaker is Paint Nite. We brought both brands together under the Paint Nite name — same artists, same events, same format we invented in 2012. More than 10 million tickets have been sold across both brands combined. If you used to attend Yaymaker events in Tempe, you're in the right place. Welcome back.
Your ticket to Beach Bug includes the canvas, all the paint you'll need, the use of brushes and an apron during the event, and step-by-step instruction from Ryan. Drinks and food are ordered separately from Alter Ego Tempe — you pay the venue directly for anything you eat or drink.
Alter Ego Tempe's event starts at 7:00 PM. We suggest showing up by 6:30 PM to give yourself time to pick your seats, get a drink and maybe a bite before Ryan starts the painting.
You can reschedule your ticket to any other Paint Nite event up to 24 hours before this one starts. After that, tickets are locked — no refunds or changes. If Paint Nite cancels this event for any reason, you'll receive a full automatic refund.
This event has reached our minimum attendance threshold and is guaranteed to run. If we ever have to cancel a guaranteed event, every ticket holder receives a full automatic refund plus a free ticket to a future Paint Nite — no questions asked. The only exception is weather or force majeure, where full refunds are issued but free tickets are not.
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