Hamilton is rolling out the red carpet to welcome back Canada's Biggest Night in Music. The JUNO Awards are coming back March 29, 2026, to take centre stage at the newly renovated TD Coliseum.
With six previous hosting gigs, Hamilton has played a starring role in JUNOS history. From Alanis Morissette’s record-breaking sweep to unforgettable nights with Celine Dion and The Tragically Hip, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of our proud JUNOS hosting highlights.
The JUNO Awards Go Public - March 26, 1995
Hamilton welcomed the JUNOS to the people! For the first time, fans got to experience the awards live in Copps Coliseum. Canadian legends and rising stars shared the spotlight: The Tragically Hip were named Entertainer of the Year and Group of the Year, Jann Arden won Female Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year, Neil Young took Male Vocalist, and Susan Aglukark earned Best New Solo Artist. Moist stole the Best New Group title, kicking off Hamilton’s long tradition of music celebration.
Alanis Dominates on March 10, 1996
Alanis Morissette made history, sweeping five awards for Jagged Little Pill. She won Album of the Year, Single of the Year (“You Oughta Know”), Female Vocalist, Songwriter, and Rock Album. Blue Rodeo, Deborah Cox, Jerry Alfred & the Medicine Beat, and Ghetto Concept also lit up the stage. Hamilton again proved it could host a night of global music excitement.
Homegrown Greatness - March 9, 1997
Celine Dion and The Tragically Hip ruled the night, alongside Alanis Morissette’s win for Single of the Year (“Ironic”) and Songwriter of the Year with Glen Ballard. Bryan Adams took Male Vocalist, Terri Clark won Best New Solo Artist, and local boys The Killjoys grabbed Best New Group. Hamilton’s stage shone bright for Canada’s musical powerhouses.
Barenaked and Brilliant - March 7, 1999
Barenaked Ladies earned Single of the Year for One Week, while Céline Dion won Album of the Year (Let’s Talk About Love) and Female Vocalist. Jim Cuddy claimed Male Vocalist, Melanie Doane took Best New Solo Artist, Johnny Favourite Swing Orchestra snagged Best New Group, and Bryan Adams was Songwriter of the Year. Laughter, energy, and musical pride filled Hamilton’s arena.
Nelly Shines - March 4, 2001
Nelly Furtado dominated with four awards, including Best Single (“I’m Like a Bird”) and New Solo Artist. Barenaked Ladies took Best Album (Maroon), Neil Young won Male Artist, and Jann Arden earned Female Artist. Rap and R&B/Soul categories celebrated Swollen Members and Jacksoul, This Hamilton edition marked the JUNOS’ last visit here for 14 years.
The Homecoming - March 15, 2015
Hamilton’s music scene shone with a mix of breakthrough and legendary artists. Kiesza won three awards, Magic! claimed Single of the Year (“Rude”), The Weekend earned Artist of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording, Leonard Cohen’s Popular Problems was Album of the Year, and local sons Arkells took Rock Album and Group of the Year. Fan favourites included Michael Bublé, Deadmau5, Alanis Morissette, Sam Roberts Band, Lights, and Shawn Mendes.
The Comeback Continues - March 26 - 29, 2026
The JUNOS are coming back to Hamilton! In March 2026, TD Coliseum and the city’s vibrant music scene will host Canada’s Biggest Night in Music for the seventh time. JUNO Week will include tons of live music with events like JUNOfest, Songwriters’ Circle, Comedy Show, and tons more.