JUNO Awards 2026: Hamilton gears up for Canada’s biggest night in music

It’s just one more sleep until the JUNO Awards ceremony this weekend and Hamilton is already buzzing. This week has been packed with JUNOfest that has seen nominees perform at venues across this city.

Tonight the JUNO Awards Gala is getting underway where 40 awards will be handed out before tomorrow’s televised Juno Awards ceremony.

Some of the winners are expected to come speak with the media after the ceremony. CHCH News will have coverage of those interviews tomorrow.

Plenty of performers will also take to the stage, including Latin album nominee Isabella Lovestory, traditional Indigenous nominee the Manitou Mkwa Singers and Saya Grey – who’s nominated for both alternative album and best emerging artist – that last category is one of the top awards at the Junos.

This week has been a busy one for Hamilton with JUNOfest taking over the city. The festival leading up to the award show features nominees and local artists at venues across Hamilton.

That includes blues maestro and Kitchener’s own Steve Strongman at Mills Hardware last night – who also performed on Morning Live on Friday.

The biggest night in Canadian music will be hosted by comedian Mae Martin. The show will feature live performances from Hamilton’s own Arkells, as well as Daniel Caesar, Alessia Cara, The Beaches and many more.

The Weeknd, Tate McRae and Justin Bieber all lead the nominations but none are expected to attend this weekend.

Canadian icon Joni Mitchell is expected to arrive in Hamilton. She is being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelly Furtado is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton band Arkells gets prepped for JUNO Awards performance