Forged in Music is Hamilton’s celebration of sound leading up to The 2026 JUNO Awards.
As host city for Canada’s Biggest Week in Music, we’re rolling out the red carpet with a month’s worth of locally inspired, unforgettable events. Mark your calendar for local concerts in bars, restaurants and venues in neighbourhoods across Hamilton; surprise Pop-Up concerts in nearby cities; and an epic Six Nations musical showcase.
Read on for all the ways to plug into the music.
Weekend Out – JUNO Style Contest
Enter here for your chance to win the ultimate JUNO weekend in Hamilton! The winner will score JUNO passes, a hotel stay and dining gift cards. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Canada’s Biggest Week in Music – right here in Hamilton!
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Pop-Up Concerts
The countdown to the JUNO Awards just got a little bit louder! We’re turning up the volume across the region with six FREE Forged in Music Pop-Up Concerts to help celebrate the JUNOs coming to Hamilton.
The twist? Each artist will be revealed just 24 hours before showtime. Follow @TourismHamilton on Instagram to be the first to find out who’s playing and grab your tickets! Fans can claim tickets online through TIXR on a first come, first served basis.
Concerts are brought to you by the Hamilton, Halton, Brant Region and the 2026 JUNOS Hamilton Host Committee.
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Artist: Born Ruffians | @bornruffiansmusic
FREE | Limited capacity
Artist: TBA
Artist: TBA
Artist: TBA
Artist: TBA
Six Nations Concert
Dwadę’nyŏta’ Shęh nigaęno’dę:s
We Celebrate Our Music
Dwadę’nyŏta’ Shęh nigaęno’dę:s – We Celebrate Our Music brings together an unforgettable night of Indigenous music.
This Indigenous-led, multi-artist concert showcases the depth, diversity and creative power of today’s Indigenous sound, featuring established and emerging artists from Six Nations.
Local Events
The countdown to the JUNOs is sounding pretty good! In the lead-up to The JUNOs, concerts are popping up across local neighbourhoods, bringing live music straight to your favourite restaurants, shops, cafés and venues. So, stay tuned and get ready to enjoy the music!