Events at The Factory, Hamilton

About The Factory

The Factory is a large live entertainment venue in Hamilton’s Frankton suburb, combining the spaces of the old Outback Inn (a legendary student bar opened in 1995 (www.lovethecentre.co.nz)) and the former Axces bar into a single club and event space. It’s officially billed as “Hamilton’s newest entertainment venue” (www.thefactoryhamilton.co.nz), positioned at 28 Alexandra Street, Frankton (the south end of Victoria Street). The venue has an industrial-chic vibe – exposed beams and brickwork give it an authentic, warehouse feel (www.ticketfairy.com) – and plenty of character. With tiered floors and multiple bars, it can accommodate thousands of partygoers under one roof. Fans love its nightclub atmosphere and seamless mix of indoor dance floors and outdoor areas (there’s even a covered patio for smokers (wanderlog.com)). Because it sprang from the iconic Outback Inn, it’s become a major hub for Hamilton’s nightlife and live music scene. In short, The Factory matters locally as one of the region’s biggest gig halls – a point reinforced by independent listings dubbing it “Hamilton’s leading CBD entertainment venue” (www.findglocal.com).

The venue is notable not only for its size but also for its heritage and location. It sits in Frankton, an old working suburb now part of Hamilton city, just off Victoria Street’s hospitality precinct. (Don’t confuse it with the other “Outback” on central Victoria St; this venue essentially replaced the Outback Inn’s space in Frankton.) In terms of signature features, The Factory boasts a huge dance floor, tiered viewing areas along the sides, a raised stage, brewery taps and cocktail bars, plus a back courtyard or patio. Riders and partygoers praise the mix of friendly staff and high-energy atmosphere (wanderlog.com). Overall, The Factory stands out in Hamilton for bringing a big-city club vibe to Waikato – a place where local bands, touring acts and DJs can play to a lively crowd in a venue that still feels authentically Kiwi.

Events and Programming

The Factory hosts a wide variety of nightlife events and concerts. You’ll see dance parties, club nights and DJ line-ups several times a week (often with nightlife themes and guest DJs), as well as one-off concerts by rock, pop, hip-hop and electronic acts. The venue has opened to headline tours by both New Zealand and international artists. Recent shows include NZ rock giants like Devilskin (with opener Villainy) and the drum’n’bass band Shapeshifter (with Ladi6) (www.songkick.com). Other acts have ranged from indie pop and hip-hop to tribute dinners or comedy (for example, the Magic Men dance act from Australia). A typical calendar might feature weekly multi-genre nights – from student karaoke and R&B club nights to metal or punk gigs. (Event posters will often advertise “Public Holiday Sunday Sessions” or other themed nights.)

Live music is a big part of the program. For example, past lineups at The Factory have featured artists such as Pendulum (drum&bass), Blindspott and Ardijah (classic NZ bands), Peter Urlich and Prototypes (dance), and country/rap fusion acts. Songkick’s concert archive confirms names like Devilskin, Reece Mastin, Ladi6, Shapeshifter and others gracing the stage (www.songkick.com). The venue’s programming aims to span genres: one month might have an alt-rock date, another a DJ dance party. Promoters often rotate local bands (“homegrown” rock or singer-songwriters) with touring DJs from Auckland or overseas. Because of its large size and equipment, The Factory can also host festivals or events specific to culture or community groups.

Tickets vary with each event. Small local DJ nights might be free or just a small cover (around $5-$15), while peak-time club events often charge around $10-$20. For bigger concerts or headliners, expect mid-range pricing – typically $30-$60 depending on the artist. Fans note that ticket prices end up similar to other medium venues: not too expensive for college students yet enough to book bigger acts. In summary, The Factory’s events calendar is diverse and often fully booked – from weekly club nights to sold-out rock shows.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Factory shows are sold online and at the door. Look for them on major NZ ticketing services (Moshtix, Ticketfairy, Eventfinda and similar) by searching the artist or event name with Hamilton as the city. Often, event promoters will release tickets months in advance. Sign up for newsletters or follow the venue’s social media to catch presales or early-bird deals. In many cases booths or ticketing desks are available at the venue too, so door sales may be offered on the night (especially for less-crowded events).

Popular shows sell fast. Fans recommend booking early for headliner gigs, as tickets can sell out and occasionally sell on out. Expect multiple pricing tiers: general admission (standard standing) tickets, sometimes cheaper advance deals, plus higher-priced VIP or on-the-door options. Ticket info will state if seats or table areas are open. In general, buy from official channels to avoid scalpers. The venue itself does not have its own box office box, but it partners with the ticketing platforms mentioned above. On busy event nights, arrive at least 30–60 minutes early to queue, since sold-out shows often pack in and lines can form.

Seating and Layout

The Factory’s interior is mostly open-plan. The main floor is an unreserved standing area, so most concerts are general admission by default. The stage is along one end of the hall, and the floor slopes gently upward towards the back. That means for most shows the best view (and closest access to the crowd/performer) is right up against the stage or on the dance floor itself. If you prefer some elevation, head to the raised side platforms or mezzanines (if the event opens those). Video screens or projection rigs sometimes help visibility at bigger shows.

Aside from the dance floor, there are seating and bar areas built into the layout. For example, one reviewer notes both indoor banquettes and an outdoor seating section behind the stage (wanderlog.com). VIP tables (for bought packages) are typically set off to the sides, a little above or behind the general standing area. Many nights still have room to lean or sit on the curbs along the wall. In the back, there’s a large refreshment/merch bar on one side and possibly some standing tables. One highlight is the outdoor smoking lounge/patio – a covered courtyard where people can step out for fresh air without leaving the venue (wanderlog.com).

Acoustically, The Factory was designed for live sound. In fact, venue write-ups praise its thoughtful audio setup: “the acoustics … ensure that whether it’s the strum of a guitar or the drop of a beat, the sound envelops you completely” (www.ticketfairy.com). Concert-goers generally report clear, full sound floor-to-bleachers. The lighting rig is similarly well-equipped: professional stage lights and moving heads give street-party vibes and can transform the whole space. If the band or DJ is playing backstage, you’ll still hear them outside on the patio – one fan even noted the sound system pumping outside where people vaped (wanderlog.com). In short, no matter where you stand inside, you can expect a concert-like volume level and vivid light show.

Getting There and Parking

Location: The Factory’s address is 28 Alexandra Street, Frankton, Hamilton (postcode 3204). This is on the corner of Hood Street, near the Frankton racecourse track and not far from the Frankton Transport Museum. It’s about 2 km east of downtown Hamilton CBD, making it easily reachable by car or bus.

Driving: If you’re driving, sunlight two main on-site car parks: a council-run lot kitty-corner on Hood Street (Kent Street Car Park, tight yellow signage) and the large Farmers multi-storey at 85 Alexandra Street (entry/exit on Alexandra) which is just across the road from The Factory (www.wilsonparking.co.nz). The Kent St lot allows two-hour free parking (great for quick errands) (hamilton.govt.nz), while The Farmers carpark charges casual rates (roughly $3.50+ per hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz), with disabled parking bays). Both fill on busy nights, so get there early. Street parking in Frankton is mostly free after hours, but Fridays–Saturdays see heavy all-day use – be mindful of P-limits (P15, P60 during daytime (hamilton.govt.nz)). If those are full, alternative parking is available a few blocks away (for example, Hood Street mall has a lot). Overall, plan on parking at least a 5–10 minute walk away if the lot is full. Rideshare or taxis can drop off directly at the corner of Alexandra & Hood (the main entrance); there’s also a taxi stand nearby near the Frankton Post Office.

Public Transit: Local buses can get you close. Waikato Regional Transit routes #24 and #26 run through Frankton and stop a short walk from Alexandra Street (moovitapp.com). Check the latest bus maps but generally catch any route that goes toward Frankton Depot or Frankton Road. There is NO direct train shuttle; however, Hamilton’s suburban Te Huia train stops at Frankton Station (on Fraser Street) – about a 10–15 minute walk (or short ride) to the venue (www.tehuiatrain.co.nz). Note Te Huia schedules carefully, as trains may not run late at night or on weekends. If taking the train, given there’s currently no public bus from Frankton Station (www.tehuiatrain.co.nz), you may need to walk or pre-book a taxi/Uber for the final leg. In short, the bus is easiest – routes 24/26 stop near Alexandra Road – but late shows might warrant rideshares or a taxi from Frankton Station or the CBD.

Inside the Venue

Once inside The Factory, expect a dark, high-energy atmosphere. There is typically a security check at the door (you’ll need valid photo ID – passport or NZ driver license – for entry on most nights). Only small bags are allowed; large backpacks or outside food/drinks are usually prohibited for safety. Once in, you’ll find multiple bars serving craft beers, wines and cocktail options; bar service is generally reported as speedy and friendly (wanderlog.com). In between acts, DJs or MCs often keep the party going, so the music rarely stops from dance floor to bar.

Facilities: Toilets (men’s and women’s, plus at least one accessible toilet) are located off the main floor area; several reviews remark “plenty” of facilities (wanderlog.com), so lines move fairly quickly. There is a coat check / cloakroom available near the entrance (small fee, if any), where you can check jackets in chill nights (especially on rainy evenings). Free Wi-Fi is not typically offered, but cellular coverage for calls/data is acceptable within the building. Near the rear, you’ll find a merchandise booth at bigger concerts where band t-shirts and swag are sold. In fact, fans note that after some shows you can meet artists at the merch stand – one concert review describes chatting with the band members and even bidding on a signed drum cymbal (www.muzic.nz)!

Vibe and amenities: The crowd is usually mixed – from college students to 30-somethings on weekends, and an older rock crowd on live-music nights. Security and staff are professional; they do ID and ensure the crowd stays safe. If you want a break from dancing, head out to the covered patio by the rear bar – it’s often used as a smoking/vaping area (wanderlog.com), with fresh air and outdoor seating. Overall, inside The Factory you’ll find a classic club feel: booming sound, strobe and laser lights, and multiple drink stations to keep the energy up.

Nearby Amenities

The Factory sits in Frankton’s small commercial area. Right nearby (within a few minutes’ walk) are a handful of cafes, bars and take-out spots. For example, Gather Food House (in Frankton Mall) is a popular breakfast/brunch cafe, and a Toby Carvery offers hearty pub meals down Hood Street. For quick bites, there are Asian noodle shops, fish’n’chips stores and a bakery in the vicinity. Right on Hood Street is House on Hood (27 Hood St) – a busy pub/restaurant known for pizza and burgers (open late) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). Other pubs in the area include the Frankton Sports Club (a few blocks down Hood) and the classic Racecourse Hotel/Bar.
If you want sit-down dinner before a show, the CBD is only a short drive (3–5 minutes) away. Hamilton’s city center has a wide range of cuisine: Indian curries on Victoria Street South, Italian pastas in the city, and trendy waterfront eateries. (However, on big event nights in Frankton, downtown parking can get busy, so allow extra travel time.)

Hotels: The Factory is close to several small hotels/inns. Within a 10-minute walk are City Inn, Ventura Inn, and Cabin Motor Lodge (www.tripadvisor.co.nz). These are convenient if you want to stay in Frankton itself. Otherwise, Hamilton’s CBD offers larger hotels, still only about a 5–10 minute drive away.

Transport home: After shows, buses are limited (last buses from Frankton back to town typically leave around 10–11pm). Rideshare apps (Uber, Ola) and taxis are plentiful in Hamilton; there’s usually a queue for cabs outside late-night. The on-demand Hamilton Flex van (app-booked) also operates on Friday/Saturday nights and can drop you back downtown if all else fails. Always check schedules or book a ride in advance if you’re not driving.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several things set The Factory apart. First, its history and scale: it carries on the party legacy of the old Outback Inn (a student-night institution) in a modern, expanded space. Locals appreciate that it offers a home-grown alternative to Auckland’s big clubs without leaving town. Architecturally, the raw-industrial design (exposed metalwork, painted brick, high ceilings) gives it a unique character – unlike a generic hotel ballroom, it feels like a genuine repurposed warehouse (www.ticketfairy.com).

The cultural vibe is another highlight. Many New Zealand music fans praise The Factory for its “authentically Kiwi” atmosphere. For example, a review of a homegrown rock show notes that the audience was “a real highlight” – a genuine, chilled-out crowd where chat at the merch stand or a spontaneous singalong is welcomed (www.muzic.nz). In other words, it’s a big city venue but with a friendly, communal spirit. Homegrown bands and NZ acts love it too – Devilskin (a Hamilton band) often jokes that playing at The Factory is like playing at home (www.muzic.nz). Fans at shows mention how engaged and down-to-earth the artists are when just steps away offstage.

It’s also one of the few venues in Waikato capable of hosting major touring acts with full production. As a result, it’s gained a reputation for high-energy, well-produced events. Theirs are the biggest sound and light shows in the region (sound so loud it can be heard out front (wanderlog.com)!). Many long-time locals who remember classic 1990s dance clubs consider The Factory a top replacement. It even won recognition as “Hamilton’s newest entertainment venue” by local media (www.thefactoryhamilton.co.nz). In short, The Factory matters because it fuses local history (the storied Outback site) with a modern concert hall. It’s where the community’s love of live music and nightlife converges. As one rave review put it, The Factory has an atmosphere that “doesn’t get more Kiwi” – a real cherry on top for Hamilton’s arts scene (www.muzic.nz).

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The Factory is designed to be as accessible as possible. The main entrance is at street level (no stairs), and inside there are flat floors and an accessible restroom. Wheelchair users can navigate the general admission area, though some platforms may have steps (ask a doorstaff for ramps if available). Hearing-impaired visitors will find the sound very loud (bring earplugs if needed), but the bass and speech will be clear. Staff are usually happy to help with accommodations on request.

What to bring: You must carry valid ID (passport, driver’s license) to show at the door. Bring your ticket (printed or on phone) or confirmation email just in case. Dress is informal but stylish – think club attire or casual niceness. The venue gets warm when packed, so lightweight clothing and flat shoes are wise. You may want a light jacket if you plan to use the outdoor patio; coat check is usually available for a small fee, but it’s cash or contactless only (no free storage). QR code or digital payment is accepted at the bars (most patrons use smartphone payment or credit cards). Carry some cash too – many bars take cards but smaller retailers (like food stalls or cloakroom) might prefer cash.

What NOT to bring: Outside food and drink are prohibited (except medical needs). Large bags or backpacks are usually not allowed; security reserves the right to search bags. Professional camera equipment (DSLRs with removable lenses, tripods) is generally banned, though small point-and-shoots and cell-phone cameras are fine. Don’t bring large banners, selfie-sticks, or any objects that could block views. Weapons of any kind are strictly forbidden. If you smoke or vape, do so only in the designated outdoor area – smoking inside is not permitted anywhere.

Door and age policies: Doors typically open 1 hour before showtime. Punctuality is advised for big shows (though late arrivals are usually admitted whenever). Most nights at The Factory are 18+ (some dance events are 20 due to liquor licensing). Any minors attending youth-oriented shows still need to have an accompanying adult and valid ID. Venue staff will ID-check customers of all ages, so don't forget your card. There is usually a strict no-reentry policy – once you leave the building, you may not re-enter that day.

Timing: Shows often start around 8–9pm and run until midnight or later (depending on local liquor laws). On weekends, many people aim to arrive between 7–8pm to grab a good spot. If the headliner starts at 9pm, expect support acts from 8pm. Doors may open earlier for special events or holidays (e.g. late-night New Year’s Eve shows). Arriving early also means shorter bar lines and easier access to restrooms. If traveling by car, allow extra time on event days (nearby roads can get busy, and it’s easier to find parking earlier).

Other tips: Keep earplugs handy if you’re sensitive to loud music – concerts here get very loud (one reviewer even heard the music clearly outside the patio (wanderlog.com)). Charge your phone and best to put it away once inside, to fully enjoy the experience. The vibe is friendly, but like any club, stay aware of your belongings. Lastly, check the event page or social media for any special rules (some themed nights might have costume suggestions or free giveaways).

Frequently Asked Questions