JUNOS coming to Hamilton’s downtown arena in 2026
Newly transformed and modernized venue will host awards week for the seventh time next March.
The first big news for Hamilton’s transforming arena is that the venue will host the 2026 JUNO Awards.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) made the announcement Thursday. Next year will mark the seventh time, and first since 2015 that Hamilton has hosted what’s dubbed “Canada’s biggest night in music.”
The 2026 JUNO Week will begin Thursday, March 26 and culminate on Sunday, March 29 with the 55th annual awards show that will be broadcast live on CBC and streamed live on CBC TV and CBC Gem, and globally on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
“Hamilton's dynamic music scene and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal location for the JUNO Awards,” said Allan Reid, president & CEO of CARAS and the JUNO Awards. “We are thrilled to return to Hamilton and be one of the first events in Hamilton's newly renovated downtown arena.”
Scheduled to reopen in late 2025, the newly renovated Hamilton Arena will offer an array of modern upgrades, including premium seating options, state-of-the-art acoustics, upgraded concourses, exclusive clubs, suites, and artist lounges and advanced production capabilities for maximum efficiency.
CHECK OUT A DETAILED LOOK AT THE ARENA PROJECT HERE
"Hosting this prestigious award show in our soon-to-open venue will showcase the incredible transformation of the space and also the creative musical energy in Hamilton and throughout Ontario,” said Nick DeLuco, Oak View Group SVP and general manager of the Hamilton Arena.
“We thank CARAS for this investment in Hamilton, and along with the City of Hamilton and Province of Ontario, look forward to celebrating talent and achievement and creating an unforgettable experience.”
Hamilton’s music industry employs 7,725 workers and is home to 541 businesses, making it the sixth largest cluster of music businesses in Canada.
“Ontario’s music industry is a dynamic fusion of genres and cultures, and nowhere showcases that vibrancy like Hamilton,” said Tim Potocic, Hamilton JUNO host committee chair.
“The city has always stood apart as a hothouse of creative excellence, with artists from rock, punk and pop to jazz, blues, and folk, hip-hop and electronic forging their own path and collaborating with each other. On stages across the city, you'll find musicians sharing work that is unique and unforgettable," added Potocic, who is owner of Sonic Unyon Records, Bridgeworks and director of Supercrawl.
“Urban centres like Hamilton serve as cultural epicentres, hosting numerous live music venues, recording studios, and festivals that attract talent from around the world. It’s amazing to be able to bring the JUNOS back to Hamilton.”
Mayor Andrea Horwath praised the announcement.
“Hamilton has a deep-rooted passion for supporting artists and celebrating the incredible and diverse talent in the Canadian music industry. Hosting the JUNOS is an exciting opportunity to showcase the city’s arts and entertainment scene, newly upgraded concert venues, and exceptional hospitality. We can’t wait to make this a memorable celebration of Canadian music.”
The JUNOS has been touring Canada for over 20 years, generating an average economic impact of $12 million for the host city. When the downtown arena was still Copps Coliseum, it hosted the JUNOS for three years straight in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and then again in 1999, 2001.
Then, as FirstOntario Centre, the venue played host in 2015.
CARAS is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: education, development of emerging artists, celebration through the JUNO Awards, and honouring music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
For first access to JUNO Awards Broadcast ticket on-sale information and updates, sign up here.
