The Golden Hour

Yes — The Golden Hour is one of our most approachable paintings. Absolute first-timers finish this one looking great. Rachel walks you through every step, and the whole group moves together so nobody falls behind. 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. 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.

The Golden Hour is one of our most popular date night paintings in Normal. You each paint your own canvas — same painting, different results — which always makes for a fun comparison at the end of the night. The mood of the painting is romantic — expect something beautiful to bring home.

Rachel is a real local artist based in Normal — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 17 out of 18 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!'

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.

Yes — we have 33 upcoming events in Normal this month. You can view them here.

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

Your ticket to The Golden Hour 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.

This event runs approximately 2 hours. Doors open at 2:30 PM — we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to get settled and order your first drink before Rachel 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.