If you want to put a fresh spin your social life, there’s a whole new wave of creative activities for your next night out that go beyond your typical paint-and-sip class. From candle-making bars to scent-blending workshops, these hands-on experiences will help you connect with your creative side, have fun with friends and make new memories.
Pour your own candle—with wine or cocktails on the side
Candle-making has gone from a quiet solo hobby to a full-blown social experience. At Banter & Bliss Candle Co. in Los Angeles and Long Beach, you can book a private party or join a public session where you’ll choose your scent blend and pour your own soy candle in a cute, modern studio setting. Bonus: They’re BYOB.
In San Diego, Hive & Honey Candle Co. hosts workshops in a cozy North Park storefront, often featuring seasonal scent options, music, and bubbly. It’s a great pick for couples or small groups looking to unwind.
Try your hand at resin art
Still looking for creative activities for your next night out? If you’ve never tried working with resin before, it’s surprisingly fun—and very satisfying. Craft + Light Studio in Downey offers a variety of classes where you can create your own resin coasters, trays, or wall art using colorful pigments and floral embellishments.
Want something even more experimental? Pour Me Some Art hosts pop-up resin and acrylic pouring classes throughout Orange County and San Diego, often in partnership with local cafes or breweries.
Design your own fragrance
For a quieter, more intimate vibe, scent blending is having a moment. Perfumery House in Santa Monica offers one-on-one and group workshops where you can create your own custom fragrance using professional-grade ingredients. It feels fancy without being pretentious—and the finished product is something you’ll actually want to wear.
You can also find pop-up events through Escential Fragrances around the Inland Empire and OC, where guests learn to build a scent profile and bottle their own cologne or perfume. It’s a perfect low-key date night or birthday idea.
Paint your own kicks or denim
For something fashion-forward and a little more outside-the-box, check out wearable art nights. At StreetCraft LA, you can book sessions to paint your own sneakers, denim jackets or hats. They supply the materials and guidance—you just bring the creativity.
In Anaheim, ARTeal Studio occasionally hosts custom clothing nights, where guests can freehand or stencil their designs while hanging out with music and snacks. It’s messy in the best way.
Take a hands-on cocktail class
Sure, you could go to a bar—or you could be the bar. You & Yours Distilling Co. in San Diego offers a fun and approachable cocktail class. You’ll learn how to build a few signature drinks using their house-made spirits. Some classes have themes like seasonal spritzes or creative margaritas.
For something more in-depth, The Mixing Glass in Costa Mesa has curated cocktail workshops with local mixologists. Expect small group sizes, fresh ingredients, and recipes you’ll want to recreate at home.
