Today, Mayor Olivia Chow awarded the Key to the City to Toronto-born music sensation Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye. The ceremony took place as The Weeknd returns home to play for Toronto fans in four highly anticipated concerts at Rogers Centre.
To celebrate the kickoff of his Toronto concert series, and in recognition of his cultural impact both at home and globally, Mayor Chow has officially proclaimed Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, July 27, 2025 as the “Weeknd Weekend” in Toronto.
Born and raised in Scarborough, The Weeknd’s rise from Toronto’s east end to international superstardom has made him a defining figure in modern music and a proud representative of the city’s creative spirit. As one of the most-streamed artists in the world, The Weeknd’s return to Toronto marks a major cultural moment for the city.
The Weeknd’s early experiences in Toronto shaped his music and identity. From anonymously uploading songs online in 2010 to his first live performance at the Mod Club in 2011, his path to international acclaim began in his hometown.
His early mixtapes, including House of Balloons, helped define the alternative R&B genre. In 2021, he became the first Canadian artist to solo headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
In addition to his creative achievements, The Weeknd has made significant philanthropic contributions including raising and donating $500,000 to the Scarborough Health Network during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has championed his heritage through contributions to the University of Toronto’s Ethiopian Studies program and is the co-founder of HXOUSE, a Toronto-based not-for-profit innovation hub that empowers emerging creatives and entrepreneurs.
In honour of today’s special recognition, The Weeknd, in partnership with Live Nation, is again supporting the community that shaped him. Together, they are investing in the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute to create spaces for youth to connect, create and thrive.
Since 2020, The Weeknd has donated more than $10 million to a range of humanitarian causes, including $1 from every ticket sold on his After Hours Til Dawn Tour supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, providing education to 100,000 children worldwide. He has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme and is a vocal advocate for racial justice. In 2021, he received the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award from the Black Music Action Coalition for his advocacy and global impact.
As a self-made global ambassador for Toronto’s music and arts communities, The Weeknd serves as a role model for aspiring artists everywhere. His recognition today celebrates both his international impact and his dedication to Toronto’s cultural identity.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Mayor Chow invites residents to share their suggestions for individuals they believe should receive the Key to the City. To nominate someone who has made a meaningful impact on Toronto, visit the City's website.
Quotes:
“Born in Toronto, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye represents the best of our city. From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern music while using his platform to support health and humanitarian causes at home and around the world. I am proud to honour one of our city’s greatest artists with a Key to the City to celebrate his contributions to music, society and our culture.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs. That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.”
– Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Recipient, Key to the City
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.