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Drip House is marking its five-year anniversary with a community block party on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 2pm-7pm.
From art exhibitions to live music and social events, Drip House has become a cornerstone of Ottawa’s arts scene, fostering creativity, connection and community. In this interview, owner Rey Martin reflects on the journey, the importance of community engagement and their plans for the future.
Apt613: Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! How do you feel about Drip House being part of the Ottawa community for five years?
Martin: Thank you! It’s surreal to think Drip House has been part of the Ottawa community for five years. I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for how far we’ve come. We’ve grown from a small vision to a thriving hub where art, coffee and community intersect. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see people connect through our space—whether it’s through the art on our walls, the events we host, or just over a great cup of coffee. The support from the community has been overwhelming, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward and finding new ways to engage and give back.
What special events can attendees expect at the upcoming 5 Year Anniversary Block Party?
At the Five Year Anniversary Block Party, attendees can expect a celebration that captures the essence of Drip House. We’re planning a live set from local DJs, interactive art installations, and a showcase of some of the city’s up-and-coming and established artists. We’ll also feature pop-up collaborations with local vendors and makers. The event is all about bringing together the community we’ve built over the years, so there will be plenty of opportunities to connect, create and celebrate with everyone who’s been part of our journey.
Photo provided by Rey Martin.
You’ve hosted many art exhibitions, music, and social events at Drip House since its inception. Why is community engagement important to you?
Community engagement is at the core of Drip House because it’s not just about creating a space; it’s about building connections. Hosting art exhibitions, music and social events allows us to work with artists, musicians and locals in a way that celebrates their talents and stories. These events give people a place to come together, share ideas, and experience something meaningful. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a hub where people feel like they belong and where the arts, culture and conversations can thrive. That’s what makes Drip House more than just a café.
What are some of the long-term goals of Drip House’s community efforts?
Deepening our relationships with local artists, creators and residents. We aim to continue hosting high-quality art exhibitions and events that foster genuine engagement, while expanding our reach to collaborate with more diverse artists, both locally and nationally. We also want to create more educational and creative opportunities, like workshops and discussions, to inspire and involve the community in the arts. Ultimately, the goal is for Drip House to remain a cultural hub where creativity, collaboration and community continue to grow together.
Photo provided by Rey Martin.
We see that you’ve recently opened another Drip House in the Glebe. What are some of the unique challenges and rewards you’ve encountered as a small business owner in Ottawa, particularly in terms of expansion?
Expanding Drip House to the Glebe has been both exciting and challenging. One of the unique challenges as a small business in Ottawa is balancing the identity of each location while staying true to the original vision.
Each neighbourhood has its own vibe, so understanding what resonates with people in different areas is crucial. The Glebe, with its established community and foot traffic, has provided new opportunities, but it also comes with higher competition and expectations. On the rewarding side, it’s been great to see how the Drip House concept translates across neighbourhoods.
Expanding has allowed us to connect with new artists, showcase their work in a fresh space, and introduce more people to our curated coffee and food experience. The expansion also reinforces the sense of growth and evolution within our community efforts, which is incredibly fulfilling.
As you look back on the past 5 years of Drip House, what are you most proud of? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Looking back on the past five years of Drip House, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built and the way we’ve stayed true to our mission of blending art, coffee and culture. Watching Drip House become a space where local artists can showcase their work, musicians can perform and people can gather has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about running a café—it’s about creating a meaningful experience for everyone who walks through the door.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that staying adaptable is key. Whether it’s responding to changing customer preferences, navigating the challenges of expansion, or even managing unexpected events like a pandemic, being flexible while staying grounded in our core values has been essential.
We’ve also learned the importance of listening to our community—what they want, what they respond to—and making sure we evolve in a way that keeps us connected to them.
Drip House locations:
- Hintonburg (340 Parkdale Unit B)
- Chinatown (692 Somerset St. W)
- Mechanicsville (121 Parkdale Ave.)
- Glebe (843 Bank St.)
Drip House’s community block party is on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 2pm-7pm at their Hintonburg location.
