HAMILTON, ON – The 55th Annual JUNO Awards generated an estimated $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 drew more than 7,200 out-of-town visitors to Hamilton from March 26 to 29, underscoring the event’s significant impact on the local economy.
“The JUNO Awards showcased the very best of Hamilton,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “The event generated a record $17.2 million in local economic activity, the highest measured economic impact ever recorded for a JUNO Awards host city. 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.”
Across JUNO Week, there were more than 16,250 unique attendees and over 28,000 participations across JUNO-related events and activities, including JUNOfest Presented by CBC, the JUNO Kickoff Concert, JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada, Junior JUNOS, JUNO Songwriters Circle Presented by SOCAN & FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada, and industry programming.
“Hamilton once again proved to be an exceptional host for the 2026 JUNO Awards,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “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. 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. We’re grateful to the City of Hamilton, the Province of Ontario, our partners, volunteers and fans for making this year’s JUNO Week such a tremendous success.”
The event delivered measurable benefits for local businesses, workers and the broader community while further showcasing Hamilton and Ontario as a destination for major events and music tourism.
The event attracted over 3,000 music industry delegates, artists and media, with spending across hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail and entertainment contributing to the overall economic impact.
Key impacts at a glance
- $23.1 million in total economic activity in Ontario
- $17.2 million in total economic activity in Hamilton
- $5.4 million GDP generated in Hamilton
- $3.6 million in wages and salaries supported locally
- 62 jobs supported in Hamilton
- $3.7 million in visitor spending in Hamilton
- 2.7 million CBC television viewers
- 1.8 million digital streams (CBC Gem, YouTube and platforms)
- 482,000 CBC Radio listeners
- 209 Hamilton volunteers contributing nearly 2,000 hours
These impacts were felt across Hamilton and Ontario, supporting hospitality, tourism, retail, cultural and event sectors throughout JUNO Week. The event also generated approximately $154,000 in municipal tax revenue for Hamilton, along with broader tax benefits across Ontario.
City Manager Marnie Cluckie said the success of JUNO Week reflected strong coordination across the City and its community partners. “JUNO Week was a citywide effort involving staff, volunteers and partners across multiple sectors,” said Cluckie. “Together, they created a safe and welcoming experience for thousands of visitors, delivered significant benefits for our local economy and demonstrated Hamilton’s ability to successfully host complex, large-scale events.”
The JUNO Awards also created opportunities for local musicians, businesses, suppliers and community organizations to participate in programming and events across the city.
JUNO Week concluded with The JUNO Awards Broadcast at TD Coliseum, The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada at the Hamilton Convention Centre, where the majority of Award categories were presented, and the Official JUNO Awards After-Party in support of MusiCounts.
Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca
Social Media:
Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards / X: @TheJUNOAwards / Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards /
Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner:
CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
Premier Sponsor: TD Bank Group
Lead Sponsors: Skip, SiriusXM Canada, and Nissan Canada
Funding Partners: Music Canada, Province of Ontario, City of Hamilton, Tourism Hamilton, and Canadian Starmarker Fund
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives; Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs; Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing; and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The 55th annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Hamilton at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), please visit www.junoawards.ca.