Name: Paint Nite: Reach for the Star
Start: 2026-12-21T18:30:00-06:00
End: 2026-12-21T20:30:00-06:00
Location: The Westside Blono
Rating: 4.8

Question 1

Is Reach for the Star good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reach for the Star is designed to be achievable at any experience level. More satisfying than it looks difficult — Rachel 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.

Question 2

How is Paint Nite different from a painting class?

Accepted Answer

A painting class teaches you technique. Paint Nite gives you a finished painting and a good night. Rachel is a real local artist — not a teacher running a curriculum — and this event happens at The Westside Blono, 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.

Question 3

Is Reach for the Star family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Reach for the Star is one of our family-friendly paintings. All ages are welcome at this event. We recommend ages 5 and up for independent painting, though younger kids can share a canvas with an adult.

Question 4

What's Rachel like as an instructor?

Accepted Answer

Rachel is a real local artist based in Normal — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 19 out of 20 guests who've painted with Rachel say the instruction was amazing. Saikrishnan S. said: 'We had a great time! Rachel was super friendly and super helpful the entire time. I didn't know I could paint so beautifully! Rachel made it so easy for us!'

Question 5

What's The Westside Blono like?

Accepted Answer

The Westside Blono is a local venue in Normal — 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.

Question 6

Are there more Paint Nite events in Normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we have 26 upcoming events in Normal this month.

Question 7

Is Reach for the Star a seasonal painting?

Accepted Answer

Reach for the Star is a winter painting — cozy seasonal vibes for a great night out.

Question 8

Whatever happened to Yaymaker?

Accepted Answer

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 Normal, you're in the right place. Welcome back.

Question 9

What's included in my ticket for this event?

Accepted Answer

Your ticket to Reach for the Star 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 Rachel. Drinks and food are ordered separately from The Westside Blono — you pay the venue directly for anything you eat or drink.

Question 10

How long is Reach for the Star?

Accepted Answer

The Westside Blono's doors open at 11:00 AM, the event starts at 6:30 PM. We suggest showing up by 6:00 PM to give yourself time to pick your seats, get a drink and maybe a bite before Rachel starts the painting.

Question 11

What's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

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.