Valentine’s Day Celebration Fundraiser!
❤️ Valentine’s Fundraiser at the Tavern ❤️
Saturday, February 14
~Open To General Public Noon to 6:30PM~
~Ticketed Event Guests Only 7PM-11PM~
This event is being held to support the annual renewal of our Maine Class A Lounge / Class X liquor license and to help move forward the ongoing restoration of the Opera House.
In a small town like Island Falls, projects of this scale grow best when there’s a little extra momentum behind them. Day-to-day operations sustain what exists, while special efforts like this help restoration and improvement work move ahead more quickly and thoughtfully.
A Class A Lounge / Class X tavern isn’t something most rural markets support in a traditional way. For it to thrive long term, it benefits from a wider circle of people—both near and far—who value having a place like this here and enjoy watching it take shape.
We know that not everyone who follows along can be here in person. Many of you support from a distance—cheering the progress, sharing in the milestones, and feeling connected to what’s happening here. Making space for that kind of support helps this remain a true community project, rooted locally but shared more broadly.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re looking forward to a special evening at the tavern centered on good company, shared purpose, and steady forward momentum.
🎟 Tickets & Support Options
Attend the Event (capacity limited)
Tickets are required to attend and are non-refundable, as proceeds are dedicated to licensing and restoration support.
Once capacity is reached, ticket sales for attendance will be closed.
👉 Purchase attendance tickets here:
https://pay.islandfallsoperahouse.com/Vday
Or by phone at 207-463-5024.
Support the Fundraiser (not attending)
If you’re unable to attend but would still like to be part of this effort, you may contribute through our fundraising-only link. These contributions are not counted toward event capacity.
👉 Fundraising-only support link:
https://pay.islandfallsoperahouse.com/Licensesupport
This night—and this work—are about caring for a place that matters and strengthening the sense of community around it, wherever you may be.
Thank you for being part of that!!
Happy New Year 2026!!
Need A Room? Questions? Call 207-463-5024
In Reach of Baxter & Katahdin Woods & Waters!
Come Enjoy Our Offerings! Wine & Dine & Sleep Here!!
Sip local craft beer!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Tap beer and canned local favorites are our specialty!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Jumbo and juicy, our boneless bites are sure to dazzle your taste buds and fill your tummy!
Try A Special Cocktail!
Enjoy our superb chicken bites!
Try A Special Cocktail!
A vast selection of spirits of all sorts can be found here. With over 100 different bottles in stock, we can surely create the cocktail of your dreams!
The Hartin Family & Our Dream For This Place!
A bit about us...
We are The Hartin Family, proud locals born and raised in this very area, took a leap of faith in December 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by acquiring The Opera House. Despite the uncertainties of the time, we believed that pursuing our dream was a risk worth taking.
Growing up in the neighborhood, the Opera House had always intrigued us from afar, its doors holding mysteries waiting to be unveiled. Although it had been closed for many years, remaining a locked secret since before our own time, we were eager to finally explore its hidden treasures.
At first, we did not have any immediate plans for the property other than turning it into our family home, as I was already occupied with my HVAC business and had little time for new ventures. Those initial months were spent cleaning out the accumulated items left behind over the years, with most historical artifacts already sold off. Following the thorough cleanup, the focus shifted towards renovating and modernizing the building, including painting, refinishing walls and trim, as well as addressing heating and plumbing issues essential for turning the space into a livable residence.
Uncovering burst pipes caused by the neglect of the boiler and water system in the residential section due to exposure to the harsh cold winters without proper heating only highlighted the extent of the repairs needed to restore the Opera House to its former glory.
Creation of Inn Rooms
By the spring of 2021, the Opera House was finally ready for us to move in. As summer approached, we had settled comfortably into our new home and found ourselves with some spare time to expand our projects within the building. Our attention turned to completing the renovations in the old office space adjacent to the former general store area, envisioning it as a cozy rental unit for short-term stays, akin to a boutique hotel suite. With ample space available, we saw an opportunity to not only increase the property's value but also generate additional income to sustain itself.
By mid-summer, the finishing touches were put in place, and we eagerly opened the newly transformed room to guests, launching our listing on Airbnb to start welcoming visitors immediately.
Buoyed by the success of our initial venture, we decided to further capitalize on the building's potential by adding another rental unit the following year. This time, we focused on revamping the old barber shop, creating a more simplistic accommodation option without a kitchen, reminiscent of a traditional hotel or motel but with our own unique flair. Incorporating nostalgic barbershop decor and signs to honor its history, we retained the original wainscoting and trim, restoring them to their former glory through refinishing and adding fresh touches like new sheetrock, paint, and lighting. Today, this charming space stands as one of the most captivating places for guests to experience, boasting a blend of history and modern comfort.
The Lounge Vision
As of 2022, we are seeing everything come together at the property. The two rental units are performing well, and our interactions with guests have sparked discussions about further opportunities. After numerous conversations and brainstorming sessions, we decided to revamp the old storefront in the main building into a rental venue for events and gatherings to be rented out to the public.
We spruced up the space by painting the trim, repairing walls and shelving, installing a restroom and sinks, and setting up a counter area behind a bar. We adorned the area with wall sconces, a new tin ceiling, and pendant lighting, giving the place a radiant glow. Once the renovations were complete, we invited local friends to experience and share the space. It quickly became clear that the ideal use for the area would be a neighborhood pub lounge, which would complement the existing rental rooms where we host our guests.
We began reaching out to contacts, making plans, engaging with the town, planning board, and code office, and developing a business model while applying for licenses and inspections. In approximately six months, we received full clearance to open! On April 1st, 2023, we proudly opened The Opera House Lounge, marking the first operational business in the building in over three decades.
After the lounge's successful launch, I continued to run my HVAC company until around October 2023, when I made the decision to sell the business and focus my efforts entirely on The Opera House. Managing both the lounge and inn rooms kept me fully occupied, and we harbor aspirations of opening the theatre someday. We are deeply passionate about this place and are determined to showcase the building's fullest potential.
Adopt a Seat Fundraiser To Save The Theater!!
Help Us Repair & Preserve The Theatre!
Help Us Repair & Preserve The Theatre!
Help Us Repair & Preserve The Theatre!
210 Seats sit vacant and unused here at The Island Falls Opera House Theater! It is our ultimate goal to restore, repurpose and revitalize the space! A place for local school children to come and engage in theatre and music creativity, a place for social gatherings for townsfolk and those with an interest in spending time here! All act
210 Seats sit vacant and unused here at The Island Falls Opera House Theater! It is our ultimate goal to restore, repurpose and revitalize the space! A place for local school children to come and engage in theatre and music creativity, a place for social gatherings for townsfolk and those with an interest in spending time here! All activities held in the theatre will be non-profit in nature and will only serve to provide repairs and create a sustainable environment of creativity and enjoyment for the community!
Our Process!
Help Us Repair & Preserve The Theatre!
Help Us Repair & Preserve The Theatre!
Each seat in the theater is up for adoption! Do you wish to have your name on a seat? To memorialize a friend or family member here? We now have an opportunity for you or your memorialization to be a permanent part of this building and theatre! Your seat will be extended to you or a family member's use during any function held here in the future!
Adoption and Memorialization!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie!
For $150 per seat you can adopt as many as you wish! Each seat will feature a plaque attached to it's reverse with your name or your memorialization mentioned on it!
Your seat will be available for you or a family member to use during functions here in the future and you will not have to pay entry fees for any event, ever!
To adopt please
For $150 per seat you can adopt as many as you wish! Each seat will feature a plaque attached to it's reverse with your name or your memorialization mentioned on it!
Your seat will be available for you or a family member to use during functions here in the future and you will not have to pay entry fees for any event, ever!
To adopt please email ifoperahouse@yahoo.com or call 207-694-2740! It takes 2-3 weeks for the plaque(s) to arrive after ordering and if possible you are able to come and choose the seat you wish to choose! If you cannot be here, we will choose one for you and send you a picture of your adopted seat(s) once the plaque is installed!!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie!
Our high quality hoodies are made right here at The Opera House! A repurposed ticket booth is now a lively shirt production area! You can pick one up at The Lounge or order online and have shipped to your door! What better way to help us fundraise for the theatre and get a piece of us to carry with you and proudly display your support
Our high quality hoodies are made right here at The Opera House! A repurposed ticket booth is now a lively shirt production area! You can pick one up at The Lounge or order online and have shipped to your door! What better way to help us fundraise for the theatre and get a piece of us to carry with you and proudly display your support for the vision!! $55.00 plus tax for hoodies! $12.00 shipping.