Forget the usual dinner plans — Addis Ababa’s social scene has a fresh, artsy twist that’s stealing weekends and lighting up timelines. It’s called Sip & Paint, and it’s where paintbrushes meet cocktails, laughter flows as freely as the wine, and everyone walks away with their own little masterpiece.

Sip & Paint isn’t about being a professional artist — it’s about having fun. Whether you can barely draw a stick figure or secretly dream of becoming the next Monet, these events welcome everyone. You grab a drink, pick up a brush, follow along with a friendly instructor (or not — freestyle is totally fine!), and just let the colors do their thing.

The lights are soft, the music is chill, and the mood is pure good vibes. Think: wine glasses clinking, bursts of laughter, and paint-splattered aprons that somehow look chic by the end of the night.

Over the past year, Sip & Paint sessions have taken over cafés, hotels, and creative corners across the capital. Here are some of the crowd favorites:

🎨 Paint & Brew at Dani Plaza (Wolo Sefer) – Perfect for tea lovers, this one mixes painting with tea tasting — because who says you need alcohol to vibe?

🍷 Unwind & Create at Ramada Hotel – A classy, upscale evening where guests sip cocktails, enjoy bites, and paint under expert guidance — ideal for date nights or self-care Sundays.

🎶 Truth or Paint Night in Bole Dembel – A more playful version with music, games, and social energy that’s off the charts.

Each event has its own personality, but the heart of it is the same — connection, creativity, and pure fun.

It’s the perfect mix of art therapy and social energy — part relaxation, part party. You don’t need talent, just a willingness to play with color (and maybe spill a little paint on your jeans).

And when you finally hold up your canvas at the end — paint-streaked, happy, maybe a little tipsy — it’s impossible not to feel proud.

Most sessions cost between 1,500 and 4,500 Birr, depending on the venue and what’s included (materials, drinks, snacks, instruction). Some spots even offer take-home kits for those who want to keep creating after the event.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest night out — but as everyone who’s tried it says, “It’s cheaper than therapy.”

At its core, Sip & Paint is more than just a night of art — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and calm in the middle of a busy city. It’s a reminder that everyone has a little spark of artistry waiting to be unlocked.

Whether you’re painting under twinkling lights in Bole or by the lakeside in Bishoftu, these colorful evenings bring people together through laughter, music, and a shared love for self-expression.

So next time you’re looking for something new to do in Addis, grab a brush, take a sip, and let your imagination flow. Because sometimes, the best masterpieces are the memories you create along the way.