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. 

SEE ALL OUR JUNOS COVERAGE HERE!

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, along with Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, The Beaches, Alessia Cara, Cameron Whitcomb, Daniel Caesar, Jully Black, William Prince, MICO, Shawn Desman, Sofia Camara, and Tanya Tagaq. 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 Hamilton's own The Redhill Valleys bringing their signature roots-rock energy to the hometown crowd.
TIME: Doors: 7 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.
VENUE: The Music Hall | 24 Main St. W., Hamilton

Q Live at the JUNOS
Q Live at the JUNOS will feature a live audience taping at Theatre Aquarius. The ticketed program will include interviews and performances with Begonia, Jade LeMac, Sister Ray, and comedian Adam Christie. TOBi, Jully Black and Saukrates will perform together and sit for a discussion. Q will also premiere a song from the new musical based on the music of the Tragically Hip called It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken.
TIME: 8 p.m.
VENUE: Theatre Aquarius | 190 King William St., 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 from this year’s JUNO-nominated artists, including Aysanabee, Bahamas, Hayley Gene Penner, James Barker, Savannah Ré, Sofia Camara, Jade LeMac, Mariel Buckley with Nathan Ferraro.
TIME: Doors: 7 p.m.; Start: 8 p.m.
VENUE: FirstOntario Concert Hall | 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton

Storytelling event
An audience will hear four stories about Canadian songs that shaped people's lives. The ticketed event is part of the Playlist Storytellers live event series, run out of Toronto. Each show in the series features a group of storytellers sharing stories about songs. Storytellers for the Hamilton show are artists Cadence Weapon, Haviah Mighty, Hilary Henderson, Ben Rispin and Tor Lukasik-Foss.
TIME: 6 p.m.
VENUE: Sheraton Hotel | 116 King St. W., Hamilton

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 TO MONDAY, MARCH 30

CBC Live for The JUNOS
To celebrate Canada’s biggest night in music, CBC is inviting music fans of all ages to CBC Live! From March 27 to 30, CBC is asking Hamiltonians to hang out at Merit Brewing to experience a free JUNOS weekend hangout featuring live radio broadcasts, giveaways and can’t-miss experiences. CBC Live’s event highlights include: live broadcasts of CBC Radio shows including Fresh Air, Here and Now, Saturday Night Jazz and Commotion; live music; Canadian music trivia with CBC hosts Tom Power and Elamin Abdelmahmoud; JUNOS Bingo for a chance to win records from some of this year’s nominees; The Great Canadian Sing-Off: Karaoke with House of Adam and Steve; AR Photobooth and exclusive giveaways; CBC Kids with cartoons, music-themed crafts and a special appearance by Chase from Paw Patrol. Details can be found here.
TIME: All weekend
VENUE: Merit Brewing, 107 James St. N., Hamilton

JUNOfest Presented by CBC
JUNOfest will feature 65 acts on eight stages across the city – everything from up-and-comers to industry veterans. See some 2026 JUNO nominees in action!

Friday, March 27

The Music Hall
24 Main St. W.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Superstar Crush (Hamilton)
8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. – Lia Pappas-Kemps
9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. – Shawnee Kish (4X JUNO nominee, including 2026)
10:15 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. – Tedy
11:05 p.m. - 11:40 p.m. – Tia Wood (2X JUNO nominee, including 2026)
11:55 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. – Lu Kala (2X JUNO nominee)

Mills Hardware
95 King St. E.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Garnetta Cromwell & Dagroovmasters
8:45 p.m. - 9:25 p.m. – Steve Strongman (Hamilton, 3X JUNO nominee, 1X winner)
9:40 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. – Miss Emily (2X JUNO nominee, including 2026)
10:35 p.m. - 11:35 p.m. – Steve Marriner (2X JUNO nominee, including 2026)

The Corktown Irish Pub
175 Young St,
Doors: 7pm

Downstairs
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Ivy Gardens
8:55 p.m. - 9:25 p.m. – Falls for the Elderly
9:50 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. – Lindsay Schoolcraft (Hamilton, 1X JUNO nominee)
10:50 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Loversteeth (Hamilton)

Upstairs
8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. – Feura
9:25 p.m. - 10:05 p.m. – Concrete Vehicles (FKA Computer)
10:25 p.m. - 11:05 p.m. – Cam Kahin
11:25 p.m. - 12:25 a.m. – Silverstein (Burlington, 3X JUNO nominee, including 2026)

The Underground
41 Catharine St. N.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Ebril (Hamilton)
8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. – Rachel Bobbitt
9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. – poolblood
10:15 p.m. - 10:55 p.m. – Sister Ray (2026 JUNO nominee)
11:10 p.m. - 11:50 p.m. – Bells Larsen

Ridiculous
38 King William St.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. – Ralph Nyoni
8:35 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. – Puma June
9:10 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. – Chris LaRocca
9:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. – Ammoye (8X JUNO nominee, including 2026)
10:30 p.m. - 11:05 p.m. – Jordan Astra
11:20 p.m. - 11:55 p.m. – Katie Tupper (1X JUNO nominee)
12:10 a.m. - 12:45 a.m. – Mauvey
1 a.m. - 1:40 a.m. – Sadboi (IX winner, 3X JUNO nominee, including 2026)

Henry’s On James
303 James St. N.
Doors: 7 p.m.
9:15 p.m. - 9:55 p.m. – Caity Gyorgy & Mark Limacher (2026 JUNO nominee)
10:10 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. – Code Quartet (2026 JUNO nominee)
11:05 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. – Laila Biali (2026 JUNO nominee)

Saturday, March 28

The Underground
41 Catharine St. N.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Carrie Clark (Hamilton)
8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. – Mattie Leon (Hamilton)
9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. – Nicolette & The Nobodies (Hamilton)
10:15 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. – Ten Minute Detour
11 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. – Mariel Buckley (2026 JUNO nominee)
12 a.m. - 12:45 a.m. – Great Lake Swimmers (2X JUNO nominees)

The Music Hall
24 Main St. W.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:35 p.m. – Terra Lightfoot (formerly Hamilton, 2X JUNO nominee)
8:50 p.m. - 9:25 p.m. – Billianne
9:45 p.m. - 10:20 p.m. – Siibii (2026 JUNO nominee)
10:40 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. – Sebastian Gaskin (1X JUNO winner, 2026 nominee)
11:35 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. – Junkhouse (Hamilton, 3X JUNO nominee, 1X winner)

The Corktown Irish Pub
175 Young St.
Doors: 7 p.m.

Downstairs
8 p.m. - 8:35 p.m. – Smug LLC
9 p.m. - 9:35 p.m. – Blunt Chunks
9:55 p.m. - 10:35 p.m. – Burs
10:55 p.m. - 11:35 p.m. – Amelia Maxwell
12 a.m. - 12:40 a.m. – Jaye Woods (Hamilton) 
1 a.m. - 1:40 a.m. – Status/Non-Status

Upstairs
8:30 p.m. - 9:05 p.m. – Cootie Catcher
9:25 p.m. - 10 p.m. – Dumb Crush
10:25 p.m. - 11 p.m. – Grae
11:25 p.m. - 12:10 a.m. – Annie-Claude Deschenes (2026 JUNO nominee)
12:30 a.m. - 1:10 a.m. – Kali Horse

The Bright Room
27 Dundurn St. N.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:35 p.m. – Los Chukos (Hamilton)
8:55 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. – Just Ideas
9:50 p.m. - 10:25 p.m. – Mario Puglia (2026 JUNO nominee)
10:45 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Fito Blanko

Ooey Gooey’s
107 George St.
Doors: 7 p.m.
8:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. – MXJ
9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. – Myst Milano
10:45 p.m. - 11:45 p.m. – Korea Town Acid (2X JUNO nominee, including 2026)
12 a.m. - 1 a.m. – Anna Sofia (2026 JUNO nominee)
1:15 a.m. - 2:15 a.m. – Felix Cartal (2X JUNO winner, 8X nominee, including 2026)

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 and CBC Gem 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. The event, co-hosted by Damhnait Doyle and Odario Williams, will feature performances from this year’s nominees, including Fredz, Isabella Lovestory, Manitou Mkwa Singers, Ryan Ofei, and Saya Gray.
TIME: 6 p.m.

Special Presentation: Drone Show
Be sure to look up, Hamilton, since the night sky will take centre stage during JUNO Week. Brought to you by Drone Light Show Canada, witness Hamilton’s evening sky light up in honour of Canada’s Biggest Week in Music.
TIME: approximately 9:30 p.m.
VIEWING LOCATION: Sidewalks at the intersection of Bay Street North & York Boulevard.

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, The Beaches, Cameron Whitcomb, Daniel Caesar, William Prince, MICO and Sofia Camara! Plus, don’t miss special appearances by Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joni Mitchell and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Nelly Furtado. Sarah McLachlan and Allison will perform a tribute to Joni Mitchell, while in honour of Furtado's induction, a cast of JUNO Award-winning artists — Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman and Tanya Tagaq — along with some very special guests will perform a musical tribute, joined by Furtado’s acclaimed band led by musical director Herag Sanbalian, who has curated a selection of her greatest hits. The broadcast will also include special appearances from Canadian pop singer and songwriter Begonia, Mississauga rock band Billy Talent, and Toronto R&B singer Melanie Fiona. DJ Dre Ngozi returns as the official show DJ for the broadcast. Two prominent Hamilton hockey players will also be part of the broadcast. Team Canada teammates at the recent Olympics Sarah Nurse and Renata Fast will make appearances. Nurse is a forward with the PWHL’s Vancouver Goldeneyes, and Fast plays defence for the Toronto Sceptres. 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

Special Presentation: Drone Show
Be sure to look up, Hamilton, since the night sky will take centre stage during JUNO Week. Brought to you by Drone Light Show Canada, witness Hamilton’s evening sky light up in honour of Canada’s Biggest Week in Music.
TIME: approximately 10:30 p.m.
VIEWING LOCATION: Sidewalks at the intersection of Bay Street North & York Boulevard. 

THE NOMINEES

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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