Riverside doesn’t have a true paint and sip studio of its own, but Purple Easel in Ontario is a straightforward 30-minute drive via the 60 Freeway — and well worth it for a date night, group celebration, or weekend afternoon out.
Here’s what Riverside residents need to know about paint and sip at Purple Easel.
Getting Here from Riverside
The 60 Freeway is the fastest route — about 30 minutes from downtown Riverside, slightly less from Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, or Norco. Take 60 West to Vineyard Avenue, then south to Mission Boulevard. We’re at Daybreak Plaza in Ontario. Free parking out front.
If you’re coming from the south end of Riverside (closer to Moreno Valley), the 91 Freeway is comparable.
What to Expect
Paint and sip means you bring beverages (wine, beer, soda, whatever you like — fully BYOB) and snacks, and we provide everything for the painting: canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, easels, aprons, and step-by-step instruction.
An instructor walks you through the painting in real time. After 2-3 hours you’ll have a completed canvas to take home. No art skills required — most of our painters are first-timers, and the instructor’s job is to make sure everyone leaves with something they’re proud of.
Event Types Available
- Public paint nights — 5-7 evenings per week, plus weekend afternoons. $20 base price, premium events $25-30.
- Three-hour paintings — more detailed work, $45 per seat.
- Kids paintings — 90-minute format, $30 per seat, weekends and school breaks.
- Neon Nights — UV-reactive paint, special themed events. These tend to sell out.
- Paint Your Pet — bring a photo of your pet, leave with a custom portrait.
See the current month calendar for what’s running.
Private Events for Riverside Residents
Hosting a bridal shower, birthday party, corporate event, or just a get-together with friends? Two options:
- At our Ontario studio: 10-person minimum, all supplies included, $39-45 per guest depending on painting type.
- Away event at your venue in Riverside: We bring everything to you — home, office, venue, outdoor space. 15-person minimum, $4/mile from our Ontario studio. Riverside is typically under $50 round-trip in mileage.
Email reservations@purpleeasel.com for a quote. See our private events page for more details.
Why Make the Drive from Riverside
Honest answer: because the alternative is doing a paint kit alone at home, and that’s not the same experience. Paint and sip works because you’re in a room with other people creating something together, instructor walking you through it, music playing, BYOB making it social. That’s hard to replicate solo.
For Riverside residents, the 30-minute drive ends up being part of the night out — pick up dinner before, paint, head home with a canvas. Worth it for date nights, girls’ nights, or anytime you want a creative break from screens.
Ready to come paint? View this month’s calendar and reserve your seat.