Toronto Honors The Weeknd with Key to the City Ahead of Concerts

Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, received the Key to the City of Toronto on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The city awarded him this honor to recognize his significant contributions to music and charitable work. Mayor Olivia Chow, students from Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, and members of the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough attended the private ceremony at Toronto City Hall.

A Tribute to a Hometown Hero

The Scarborough-born artist, known for hits like Can’t Feel My Face and Blinding Lights, expressed his gratitude for the honor. He said, “It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.”

Along with the key, the city declared July 26-27 as “The Weeknd Weekend” to celebrate his achievements on and off the stage. Mayor Olivia Chow praised him, saying, “From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern music and used his platform to support health and humanitarian causes.”

Community Engagement and Philanthropy

The Weeknd’s commitment to his hometown goes beyond music. In collaboration with Live Nation, he has partnered with local organizations to create spaces for youth in Scarborough. This includes supporting the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, his alma mater. The initiatives will revitalize a basketball court, create a mobile recording studio, and establish dedicated spaces for students with developmental disabilities.

The artist’s $10 million in charitable donations since 2020 highlight his ongoing dedication to humanitarian work, both in Toronto and globally.

Four Concerts at Rogers Centre

The Weeknd will perform four concerts at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 27-28 and August 7-8. It marks his long-awaited return to his hometown. Earlier this year, he became the highest-grossing Black male artist at MetLife Stadium.

With his Grammy-winning career and record-breaking performances, The Weeknd keeps making a lasting impact. He is also committed to giving back to the community.

What’s your favorite Weeknd song or moment from his career? Share your thoughts below!

More…

• https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/toronto-gives-the-weeknd-key-to-the-city-ahead-of-a-four-concert-run-at/article_38290f66-0863-5c1c-9162-91026c3025ac.html
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/the-weeknd-key-toronto-1.7595002
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/weeknd-honored-weeknd-weekend-city-005555934.html