Your complete guide to JUNOS 2026
Hamilton will roll out the red carpet to the best and brightest in Canada’s music scene when the 55th annual JUNO Awards arrive March 26-29.
Hamilton will be the epicentre of the Canadian music universe when the 55th annual JUNO Awards takes over the city March 26-29.
The weekend culminates in the live awards broadcast from TD Coliseum, featuring performances by Hamilton’s own Arkells, Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, The Beaches, Daniel Caesar, and William Prince. There will be special appearances by Joni Mitchell, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by your National Arts Centre, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Nelly Furtado.
The night will be hosted by comedian Mae Martin.
But it’s much more than the awards ceremony. Events leading up to Canada’s Biggest Night in Music include comedy shows, the JUNO Kickoff Concert, Junior JUNOS, the Songwriters’ Circle, and JUNOfest that will light up multiple stages. And don’t forget The JUNOS After Party!
What do you need to know? It’s all here!
THE JUNOS RUNDOWN
(All tickets available at junoawards.ca)
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada
This comedy will hit the right note. Hosted by Zabrina Douglas, this laugh-fest will have sets by 2026 JUNO Award nominees Adam Christie, Charlie Demers, Dave Merheje, and Faris Hytiaa. Two shows!
TIME: Show 1: Doors: 6 p.m.; Start: 7 p.m.; Show 2: Doors: 9 p.m.; Start: 10 p.m.
VENUE: Levity Comedy Club | 120 King St. W., Hamilton
JUNO Kickoff Concert
The official launch of Canada’s Biggest Week in Music starts at the JUNO Kickoff Concert. This high-energy, concert-style showcase will feature powerhouse performances from some of Canada’s top-charting and rising stars, including James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, Sacha, Kalsey Kulyk, and The Redhill Valleys.
TIME: Doors: 7 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.
VENUE: The Music Hall | 24 Main St. W., Hamilton
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
JUNO Songwriters’ Circle Presented by SOCAN & FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada
Curious about the stories and meanings behind your favourite songs? This intimate, live-taped event transcends beyond the studio, offering candid conversations and acoustic performances that create memorable connections between artists and audiences. Known as the jewel of the JUNOS, Songwriters’ Circle promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you floored by unforgettable performances.
TIME: Doors: 7 p.m.; Start: 8 p.m.
VENUE: FirstOntario Concert Hall | 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
FRIDAY MARCH 27 + SATURDAY, MARCH 28
JUNOfest Presented by CBC
JUNOfest is ready to ignite Hamilton with the sounds of Canada’s top musical talent over two epic nights! Full talent lineup: Amelia Maxwell, Ammoye, Anna Sofia, Annie-Claude Deschênes, Bells Larsen, Billianne, Blunt Chunks, Burs, Caity Gyorgy and Mark Limacher, Cam Kahin, Carrie Clark, Chris LaRocca, CODE Quartet, Computer, cootie catcher, Dumb Crush, Ebril, Falls for the Elderly, Felix Cartal, Feura, Fito Blanko, Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters, GRAE, Great Lake Swimmers, Ivy Gardens, JayWood, Jordan Astra, Junkhouse, Just Ideas, Kali Horse, Katie Tupper, Korea Town Acid, Laila Biali, Lia Pappas-Kemps, Lindsay Schoolcraft, Los Chukos, Loversteeth, LU KALA, Mariel Buckley, Mario Puglia, Mattie Leon, Mauvey, Miss Emily, MXJ, Myst Milano, Nicolette & The Nobodies, poolblood, Puma June, Rachel Bobbitt, Ralph Nyoni, SadBoi, Sebastian Gaskin, Shawnee Kish, Siibii, Silverstein, Sister Ray, SMUG LLC, Status/Non-Status, Steve Marriner, Steve Strongman, Superstar Crush, Tedy, Ten Minute Detour, Terra Lightfoot, Tia Woods
VENUES: Mills Hardware, The Corktown Irish Pub, The Music Hall, The Underground, Henry’s on James, Ooey Gooey’s, The Bright Room
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Junior JUNOS Presented by CBC Kids & Hamilton Public Library (sold out)
Junior JUNOS is a family-friendly event featuring performances by the 2026 JUNO nominees for Children’s Album of the Year. Hosted by Joojo Paintsil, with performances by Ari Cui Cui, Chris McKhool, Ginalina, Hip Kids Music, and Young Maestro.
TIME: Doors: 9:30 a.m.; Start: 10 a.m.
VENUE: Hamilton Room, Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd., Hamilton
JUNO Stories from the Studio (sold out)
JUNO Stories From the Studio offers audiences and aspiring producers a deeper understanding of the creative music process from start to finish. Hosted by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe with panelists Jason Dufour, Joel Stouffer, and Karen Kosowski.
TIME: Doors: 1:30 p.m.; Start: 2 p.m.
VENUE: Hamilton Room, Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd., Hamilton
JUNO Honouring Ceremony Presented by Destination Indigenous
Celebrate the diversity of Indigenous music and art, representing the many flourishing Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island at the JUNO Honouring Ceremony. Hosted by Falen Johnson, the ceremony will pay tribute to the voices shaping the future of Indigenous creativity in Canada, featuring powerful performances by Allied Nations, Little Creek Singers, Siibii, and YB Nakota along with special congratulatory messages for this year’s JUNO nominees.
TIME: Doors: 11 a.m.; Start: 11:30 a.m.
VENUE: FirstOntario Concert Hall | 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada (industry only)
Tune in live on CBC Music to celebrate Canada’s top musical talent at The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada broadcast live from the Hamilton Convention Centre. This industry-only celebration features unforgettable performances and award presentations from both emerging artists and beloved icons, including the presentation of various special achievement awards and over 40 JUNO Awards honouring the best in Canadian music.
TIME: 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
The 2026 JUNO Awards
The 55th annual JUNO Awards are bringing Canada’s Biggest Night in Music to the new TD Coliseum. Hosted by Mae Martin, and featuring electrifying live performances from some of the country’s biggest names, including Arkells and The Beaches, Daniel Caesar, William Prince, and more! Plus, don’t miss special appearances by Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joni Mitchell and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Nelly Furtado. Airing live on CBC and CBC Gem.
TIME: 8 p.m.
VENUE: TD Coliseum | 101 York Blvd, Hamilton
The JUNO Awards After Party, in support of MusiCounts
The party doesn’t stop when the awards have been handed out. Celebrate Canadian music long into the night at the official JUNO Awards After Party, in support of MusiCounts. Proceeds go towards the MusiCounts School Music Funding programs, empowering the next generation of talented Canadian artists and industry professionals. This event is 19+.
TIME: Doors: 10:30 p.m.; Show: 11 p.m.
VENUE: The Music Hall | 24 Main St. W., Hamilton
THE NOMINEES
Fan Choice: bbno$; Cameron Whitcomb; James Barker Band; Josh Ross; Justin Bieber; Karan Aujla; Shawn Mendes; Shubh; Tate McRae; The Weeknd
Single of the Year: “Options” – Cameron Whitcomb; “Hate How You Look” – Josh Ross; “DAISIES” – Justin Bieber; “Sports Car” – Tate McRae; “Cry For Me” – The Weeknd
Album of the Year: The Hard Way – Cameron Whitcomb; Later Tonight – Josh Ross; SWAG II – Justin Bieber; So Close To What – Tate McRae; Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year: Cameron Whitcomb; Goldie Boutilier; Jade LeMac; Jutes; MICO; Noeline Hofmann; Sacha; Saya Gray; Sofia Camara; yung kai
Artist of the Year: bbno$; Daniel Caesar; Justin Bieber; Tate McRae; The Weeknd
Group of the Year: Arcade Fire; Mother Mother; Peach Pit; The Beaches; Three Days Grace
Songwriter of the Year: Ashton Simmonds (Daniel Caesar); Jessie Reyez; Justin Bieber; Tate McRae; The Beaches
Humanitarian Award: Billy Talent
International Achievement Award: Daniel Caesar
Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Nelly Furtado
Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by your National Arts Centre: Joni Mitchell
Albums of the Year
Blues: Sing Pretty Blues – Crystal Shawanda; Ooh Yeah! – Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne; The Medicine – Miss Emily; Answer the Call – Secondhand Dreamcar; Hear My Heart– Steve Marriner
Traditional roots: I Lost My Heart On Friday – Aerialists; Gold and Coal – Cassie and Maggie; The Moon’s Daughter – Heather MacIsaac; Heal The Divide – Morgan Toney; Folk Signals – The Southern Residents
Contemporary roots: Strange Trip Ahead – Mariel Buckley; The Hammer & The Rose – Matt Andersen; Purple Gas – Noeline Hofmann; These Dark Canyons – The Young Novelists; Further From the Country – William Prince
Country: Let Your Horses Run – Brett Kissel; The Hard Way – Cameron Whitcomb; One Of Us – James Barker Band; Later Tonight – Josh Ross; Golden Child – Meghan Patrick
Adult alternative: My Second Last Album – Bahamas; Fantasy Life – Begonia; Uh Oh – Patrick Watson; Let it Hiss – The Barr Brothers; Humanhood – The Weather Station
Alternative: Edge Of The Earth – Aysanabee; Who Will Look After The Dogs? – PUP; SAYA – Saya Gray; SORRY, IT’S OVER – The OBGMs; All Cylinders – Yves Jarvis
Rock: Roll With The Punches – Bryan Adams; INERTIA – grandson; No Hard Feelings – The Beaches; Metro – The Blue Stones; The Damn Truth – The Damn Truth; Alienation – Three Days Grace
Metal/Hard music: Heaven Let Them Die – Counterparts; An Insatiable Violence – Cryptopsy; Shadow Work – DESPISED ICON; Antibloom – Silverstein; A Pathway to the Moon – Unreqvited
Adult contemporary: NU2U – Nuela Charles; Conditions of Love Vol. 1 – Rose Cousins; Better Broken – Sarah McLachlan; Rebuild – Shawn Hook; Believer – Sister Ray
Pop: bbno$ – bbno$; SWAG II – Justin Bieber; 7 – Nelly Furtado; So Close To What – Tate McRae; Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
Rap: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE SPARROW – ARDN; About Time – Connor Price; Misery Loves Company – NorthSideBenji; DRY CRY – SadBoi; ELEMENTS Vol. 2 – TOBi
Traditional R&B/Soul: Have A Baby (With Me) – Daniel Caesar; GOLIATH – Jessie Reyez; Say Yes – Melanie Fiona; Formed – Savannah Ré; Reasons To Stay – Tanika Charles
Contemporary R&B: THERAPIST – SadBoi; Set Me Free – Adria Kain; Mirage – Avenoir; Son Of Spergy – Daniel Caesar; PAID IN MEMORIES – Jessie Reyez; Life 2 – Majid Jordan
CLICK HERE for a full list of nominees
