The Bomb Factory, formerly the Factory in Deep Ellum, is an American music venue and event space located in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas. It originally operated from 1993 to 1997 and was reopened in March 2015 under new management.
Dallas rock band Generator performing at the Bomb Factory, December 2015Venue exterior, November 2015
In 1914, Henry Ford acquired the site for one of his first automobile assembly plants. The plant, along with the present day Adam Hats building, remained in the 2700 block of Williams Street (now known as Canton Street) until the 1930s.[2]
When World War II began, Ford was pushed to help the United States gear up for war. The manufacturing of automobiles ceased, as the production of jeeps, practice bombs, and ammunition for the war effort started under the new company name Mayhew Machine and Engineering Works. With an impending economic recession, the factory closed in the 1970s.[3]
1993–1997
In the early 1990s, Deep Ellum attracted industrial developments, commercial storefronts, and early musical cultures such as jazz and blues. The Bomb Factory resurfaced as one of the largest music venues in the area.
Toward the end of the decade Deep Ellum took another downturn, forcing many venues and businesses to shutter its doors. The venue closed in 1997.[9]
2015–present
In November 2013, Westdale Asset Management announced it would be resurrecting the Bomb Factory after 15 years. The multimillion-dollar project detailed plans for a complete renovation of the space, including air conditioning, the installation of mezzanine seating, eight VIP suites, a centered stage with unobstructed views, a raised roof, and state-of-the-art lights and sound systems. Additionally, the renovation plans for backstage featured four green rooms with laundry and shower facilities.[10] On March 26, 2015, the Bomb Factory opened its doors to the public with a sold-out grand opening concert, headlined by Erykah Badu with support from singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe.[11]
In addition to booking live music, festivals, conventions, and private events, the Bomb Factory frequently hosts boxing and mixed martial arts events. On November 28, 2015, the Bomb Factory hosted the Premier Boxing Champions Super Welterweight World Championship, which was televised on NBC. Jermall Charlo and Wilky Campfort were the title fighters.[17]
On October 31, 2017, Westdale Asset Management, reopened neighboring Deep Ellum Live as Canton Hall,[18] an indoor music venue capable of holding up to 1,100 people.[19] On July 12, 2021, the Bomb Factory was renamed the Factory in Deep Ellum. The Factory in Deep Ellum regained The Bomb Factory name on March 3, 2025.[20]
Notable events
The venue's sold-out March 2015 grand opening was headlined by Erykah Badu with support from Sarah Jaffe, both Dallas natives.[11]
In October 2015, Dallas hip hop legend The D.O.C. performed at the Bomb Factory for his first performance since his near-fatal car accident 20 years ago.[21]
On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, Robert Plant and his band, the Sensational Shapeshifters, performed at the Bomb Factory, with support from The Sonics. Plant performed songs from both his solo work and his time in Led Zeppelin.[23]
On March 29, 2016, the Dallas Mavericks hosted a Ludacris concert at the Bomb Factory, the first concert promoted by the team's event company, Another Mavericks Production.[24] Dallas hip hop artists Cure for Paranoia, Bobby Sessions, and -topic were the support. During -topic's set, Leon Bridges, who is from Dallas, briefly joined the rapper onstage.[25]
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