Pop Icon Honored for His Global Impact and Hometown Heart
The Weeknd just hit another milestone—this time, off the charts and deep in the heart of Toronto. On Saturday, July 26, the multi-platinum singer and cultural icon was officially presented with the Key to the City of Toronto, along with a citywide proclamation declaring July 26–27 as “The Weeknd Weekend.”
The honor was presented in a private ceremony by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and attended by youth from West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, The Weeknd’s former high school.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home,” The Weeknd said during the ceremony.
“Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.”
🗝️ Toronto Celebrates Its Biggest Star
The City of Toronto recognized The Weeknd—born Abel Tesfaye—for his trailblazing music career, philanthropic work, and efforts to uplift the local community.
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According to Complex, city officials highlighted his role as not just a global superstar, but a generous humanitarian, giving back to causes that matter to him and his hometown.
“His accomplishments as a singer-songwriter, producer, and community leader make him a true Toronto success story,” read the official proclamation.
🌃 A City Glows for ‘The Weeknd Weekend’
To mark the occasion, Toronto’s iconic CN Tower will be illuminated in The Weeknd’s honor, creating a stunning tribute to the artist who has redefined modern pop and R&B while staying grounded in his roots.
The city is also encouraging fans to celebrate “The Weeknd Weekend” with art installations, playlist takeovers, and fan-organized events as his “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” returns to Toronto for its second leg.
🎤 A Tour Homecoming
The Toronto shows will take place on July 27–28 and August 7–8, serving as a high-energy homecoming for The Weeknd and his fans. These performances are part of his globally acclaimed After Hours Til Dawn 2025 Tour, which continues to break records with massive stadium crowds and immersive visual production.
🎓 Giving Back: From Birchmount to Boys & Girls Club
In his speech, The Weeknd shared his mission to support youth programs in Toronto, announcing continued funding and resources for both:
- The Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough, where he’s supported mentorship and after-school initiatives.
- Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, his alma mater, which will receive investments aimed at unlocking opportunities for students through music and arts programming.
“I’m proud to support the youth of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park, providing them with the means to unlock their full potential,” he said.
🏆 A Legacy Built on Art and Advocacy
The Weeknd’s contributions go far beyond his chart-topping hits. In just over a decade, he has:
- Sold over 75 million records worldwide
- Earned 7 RIAA Diamond Certifications
- Won multiple Grammy, Billboard Music, and Juno Awards
- Headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show
- Donated millions to global humanitarian causes, including COVID-19 relief, Ethiopia crisis response, and education
💬 Fans React: “Toronto Raised a Legend!”
Social media lit up as news of “The Weeknd Weekend” broke:
- “Abel got a whole weekend named after him? That’s legend behavior.”
- “From Scarborough to the world—this is emotional.”
- “The CN Tower lighting up for The Weeknd is iconic.”
🔥 What’s Next for The Weeknd?
Fresh off this hometown honor, The Weeknd shows no signs of slowing down. He recently signed a new distribution deal for his label, “Hurry Up Tomorrow”, signaling a new chapter of creative control and global expansion.
New music, more tour dates, and additional charitable ventures are expected later this year.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
From Scarborough sidewalks to stadium stages, The Weeknd continues to make Toronto proud. His music may dominate the globe, but his heart remains rooted in the city that raised him.
“It feels good to be home,” he said—and clearly, Toronto agrees.
👇 What are your thoughts on ‘The Weeknd Weekend’? Would you want to see your city honor its hometown heroes the same way? Sound off below!
