Name: Paint Nite: Bright Northern Lights
Start: 2026-11-14T18:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-11-14T20:00:00-06:00
Location: The V, VFW Post 1318
Rating: 4.8

Question 1

Is Bright Northern Lights good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

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.

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. 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.

Question 3

What's Tad like as an instructor?

Accepted Answer

Tad is a real local artist based in Madison — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 8 out of 8 guests who've painted with Tad say the instruction was amazing. Jenny L. said: 'This was a great event hosted by an amazing instructor! Tad is very talented at his craft, he does well giving directions to a bunch of newbies, and he has a great sense of humor! We celebrated my...'

Question 4

What's The V, VFW Post 1318 like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Are there more Paint Nite events in Madison?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we have 5 upcoming events in Madison this month.

Question 6

Is Bright Northern Lights a seasonal painting?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

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

Question 8

What's included in my ticket for this event?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How long is Bright Northern Lights?

Accepted Answer

The V, VFW Post 1318's doors open at 11:00 AM, the event starts at 6:00 PM. We suggest showing up by 5:30 PM to give yourself time to pick your seats, get a drink and maybe a bite before Tad starts the painting.

Question 10

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.