Ontario Invests in Music: $1.5M to Support 2026 JUNOS in Hamilton
JUNO Week returns to Steeltown March 26–29, 2026, with a $1.5 million boost from the provincial government to celebrate Canadian music and culture.
HAMILTON — The JUNO Awards are coming back to Hamilton for a record seventh time, and the Ontario government is backing the celebration with a $1.5 million investment aimed at bolstering the province’s music sector and cultural tourism.
The 55th annual JUNO Awards will take place from March 26 to 29, 2026, inside the newly renovated FirstOntario Centre (formerly Hamilton Arena), ushering in one of the first major events at the upgraded venue. The event is expected to bring a surge of visitors, boost local businesses, and shine a spotlight on Ontario’s thriving music industry.
“Ontario’s music industry is an important economic driver,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, in a release announcing the investment. “Our government is proud to support the 2026 JUNOS in Hamilton. Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the very best of our homegrown musical talent.”
The investment is being delivered through the Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF), which contributes $7 million annually to support live events, recording, publishing, and more across the province’s music ecosystem. In 2024 alone, 41 per cent of JUNO winners were based in Ontario, with OMIF having supported 26 per cent of them.
“Hamilton’s dynamic music scene and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal location for the JUNO Awards.”
— Allan Reid, President and CEO of CARAS/The JUNO Awards
Hamilton is no stranger to the JUNO spotlight — having hosted the awards six times before — but the 2026 edition promises to be a standout moment, showcasing the city’s renewed concert infrastructure and vibrant arts community.
“The return of the JUNOS is exciting news for residents of Hamilton,” said MPP Donna Skelly, while fellow MPP Monica Ciriello noted the event “showcases our city’s vibrant arts and culture scene” alongside supporting local economic growth.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath also praised the return, saying it’s an opportunity to highlight the city’s upgraded venues and its deep-rooted commitment to Canadian music.
As Ontario continues to position itself as a premier destination for major cultural events, the JUNO Awards serve as a reminder of the province’s musical talent and its growing importance on the global stage. The 2026 celebration is expected to draw industry professionals, fans, and tourists alike — all ready to experience what Steeltown has to offer.
