The velvet curtains of the historic Catskill Community Theater are rising once again. On Friday, September 5, the long-shuttered Main Street cinema reopens with a ribbon cutting, open house, and community celebration during Catskill’s First Friday event — a major milestone in the town’s creative and cultural resurgence.
Once a vibrant hub for first dates, family traditions, and upstate memories, the theater has been closed since the pandemic. Its reopening signals a new chapter for the village filled with renewed purpose and pride.
This transformation is the result of a dynamic partnership between 373 Main Street LLC – whose founder, Ben Fain, also leads the team behind beloved Hudson institutions like Kitty’s, Grapefruit Wines, The Caboose Hudson, and the soon-to-be redeveloped Wick Hotel as well as other Catskill projects supporting Main Street revitalization. This includes the redevelopment of 391 Main Street, now home to a number of small, creative enterprises — and Community Presents, a nonprofit founded by Greg Mills, Sydney Schutte, and Brian Whitney, the team behind the successful revival of the Hi-Way Drive-In and the Kingston Film Foundation.
Together, the team is reimagining the Catskill Community Theater as a space for film, live performance, and meaningful community connection — one that honors its historic roots while embracing a bold, inclusive future. The Community Theater has long been a heartbeat for the community, operating continuously from 1920-2020, and welcoming generations of residents and visitors. Closed since 2020, this two-phased redevelopment project will renovate the Community Theater to create a new film and live performance venue for Catskill and bring this historic jewel back to life. “It’s an honor for us to be part of bringing this incredible theater back to life. As theater owners and champions of independent film, we understand the vital role these spaces play in a community like Catskill,” says co-organizer Greg Mills. “We’re beyond excited—and truly humbled—to have the opportunity to run this historic theater.”
This project was made possible through Restore New York grant awarded to the Town of Catskill from Empire State Development, and a generous grant awarded to help revitalize this essential piece of Catskill’s cultural infrastructure.
Event Details
Catskill Community Theater Reopening Celebration Friday, September 5 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 PM on the main stage Location: Catskill Community Theater, 373 Main Street, Catskill, NY
Guests are invited to tour the newly renovated space, enjoy free popcorn and drinks, and preview upcoming programming. The event will also feature remarks from local and state partners, business owners, and Catskill community leaders.
