55th annual JUNO Awards brings a record $17.2M to Hamilton

The 55th Annual JUNO Awards generated about $17.2 million in economic activity in Hamilton, the highest measured economic impact recorded for a JUNO Awards host city.

Across Ontario, the event contributed an estimated $23.1 million in total economic activity.

The 2026 JUNO Awards attracted over 7,200 out-of-town visitors to Hamilton from March 26 to 29, showcasing the event’s significant impact on the local economy.

“Thousands of visitors experienced our city’s music, culture and hospitality, while local businesses welcomed new customers. That’s a legacy our whole community can be proud of,” Mayor Andrea Horwath says.

Across JUNO Week, there were over 16,250 unique attendees and more than 28,000 participants across JUNO-related events and activities, including JUNO Fest.

“The JUNO Awards are about celebrating the incredible artists who help shape Canada’s cultural identity and bringing communities together through the power of music,” says Allan Reid, President and CEO, CARAS and the JUNO Awards.

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“Seeing that celebration also generate meaningful economic benefits for Hamilton and Ontario is a reminder that investing in Canadian music has an impact far beyond the stage.”

Over 3,000 artists, media personnel and industry delegates attended the event are boosting the local economy through their spending on accommodations, dining, transit, retail and entertainment.

Additionally, $5.4 million GDP was generated in Hamilton, $3.6 million in wages and salaries supported locally, 62 jobs supported in Hamilton, $3.7 million in visitor spending in the city as well as 209 Hamilton volunteers contributing nearly 2,000 hours.

The event also generated approximately $154,000 in municipal tax revenue for Hamilton, along with broader tax benefits across Ontario.

JUNO Week featured the JUNO Awards broadcast at TD Coliseum, the JUNO Awards Gala at the Hamilton Convention Centre where most of the award categories were presented and the official JUNO Awards after party in support of MusiCounts.

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