Bright Northern Lights

Yes. Bright Northern Lights is designed to be achievable at any experience level. More satisfying than it looks difficult — Tad 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. Tad is a real local artist — not a teacher running a curriculum — and this event happens at The V, VFW Post 1318, 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.

Tad is a real local artist based in Madison — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 5 out of 5 guests who've painted with Tad say the instruction was amazing. Ashly C. said: 'Tad is always such a wonderful instructor. We had a lot of fun and made some great memories.'

The V, VFW Post 1318 is a local venue in Madison — 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 Madison this month. You can view them here.

Bright Northern Lights is a winter painting — cozy seasonal vibes for a great night out.

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

Your ticket to Bright Northern Lights 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 Tad. Drinks and food are ordered separately from The V, VFW Post 1318 — you pay the venue directly for anything you eat or drink.

This event runs approximately 2 hours. Doors open at 2:00 PM — we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to get settled and order your first drink before Tad 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.