The 55th Annual Juno Awards Are Returning to Hamilton

Let’s be real: when Canadian music is involved, I’m instantly paying attention. And when I heard that the 55th Annual Juno Awards were officially returning to Hamilton on Sunday, March 29, 2026, I had one reaction: okay, this is going to be huge.

As someone who watches the JUNOs religiously from my little Toronto apartment every year, this felt like the kind of news that deserves a celebratory snack.

Why Hamilton Hosting Again Actually Feels Perfect

*Photo via* *@thejunoawards* */ Instagram*

The JUNOs haven’t been in Hamilton since 2015, so this return feels long overdue. It will be their seventh time hosting, which pretty much proves Hamilton is one of Canada’s go-to music cities.

The awards will take place at the newly upgraded Hamilton arena (formerly known as Copps Coliseum and FirstOntario Centre). By the time March rolls around, the arena will have new seating, lounges, improved acoustics, the whole glow-up treatment. It’s basically getting a renovation just in time for the country’s biggest night in music.

JUNO Week will run from March 26 to 29, 2026, filling Hamilton with concerts, comedy shows, songwriting events, and everything in between. It’s like a four-day music festival disguised as a civic celebration.

The Honourees Who Made Me Emotional Just Reading the Announcement

I’m not kidding. My eyes actually watered.

Joni Mitchell is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. If you’re Canadian, you know exactly how iconic that is.

And Nelly Furtado, who has 10 JUNO wins under her belt, will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Her contribution to early-2000s pop was basically the soundtrack of my school years.

These aren’t just names. They’re cultural pillars.

The Performances We Already Know About

*Photo via* *@thejunoawards* *and* *@tdcoliseum* */ Instagram*

Two confirmed acts instantly caught my attention:

• Arkells, nine-time JUNO winners and Hamilton’s own hometown legends
• The Beaches, the five-time JUNO-winning band from Toronto

It’s giving hometown pride layered on top of hometown pride. The energy inside that arena is going to be wild.

How to Watch or Attend

Here’s what you need to know:

• Tickets go on sale Friday, November 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET
• The awards night will broadcast live across Canada on CBC and CBC Gem
• You can also stream it on CBCMusic.ca/junos and the CBC Music YouTube channel

Basically, wherever you normally watch the JUNOs, you’ll be covered.

What’s New This Year

A couple of confirmed updates caught my eye:

• The addition of a new category, Latin Music Recording of the Year
• Adjusted eligibility rules for the Rap categories to better reflect Canada’s growing hip-hop scene

Both changes feel modern and long overdue.

My Take as a Toronto Watcher

Here’s the truth: I love when the JUNOs move around the country. It reminds me that Canadian music doesn’t belong to just one city.

Hamilton hosting again feels right. There’s something gritty and genuine about its music scene that matches the soul of the JUNOs perfectly.

And yes, I will absolutely have snacks ready, my CBC stream open, and probably a blanket wrapped around me while I scream every time someone I love appears on stage.

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Why Hamilton Hosting Again Actually Feels Perfect