RECAP: THE WEEKNDS 'AFTER HOURS TILL DAWN' TOUR IN VANCOUVER

Backspin Canada
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

The Weeknd made his long-awaited return to Vancouver on July 15, 2025, delivering a visually staggering, emotionally loaded performance for Night 1 of 2 at BC Place Stadium. As the 21st stop on the North American leg of his extended “After Hours Til Dawn” Tour, the show marked his 10th-ever performance in the city, with his 11th scheduled just one day later.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin HQ

Early that morning, fans learned that Playboi Carti, also known as Jordan Terrell Carter, would not be performing due to complications crossing the Canadian border. For longtime Carti fans, the news stung. He’s known for delivering chaotic, high-energy sets in Vancouver back in the day, and many had bought tickets hoping to see his return, or catch him for the very first time. His absence also resulted in the removal of “Rather Lie” from the setlist.

By midday, thousands had already gathered outside BC Place, forming massive queues for merchandise tents, branded touring buses, and photo ops, with lines snaking through surrounding restaurants and parking lots. The concert hadn’t even started, yet the city was already pulsing showcasing the cultural force Abel Tesfaye has become.

Just hours after wrapping up in Seattle, The Weeknd took to Instagram with a simple yet telling message: “VANCOUVER I’M COMING FOR YOU”, setting the tone for what would become a defining night in Canadian pop music.

At 8:45 p.m., with the stadium roof open and the summer light still spilling in, the intro of “Abyss” began to echo across the stadium. Smoke flooded the air, and a haunting line of red-robed, chrome-masked figures emerged in unison. In perfect formation, they slowly split, revealing Tesfaye at center stage.

Wearing a floor-length black robe detailed with silver embellishments, a gleaming chrome face mask, and black gloves, The Weeknd appeared less like a pop star and more like a figure from a surrealist opera. Once unmasked, he launched into a staggering, 41-song set filled with career-defining anthems and deep fan cuts alike.

Fire, smoke jets, strobes, and LED wristbands synchronized to the beat surrounded the crowd in a fully immersive light show. Red beams lit up the night during “Heartless,” purple waves rippled for “Out of Time,” and the entire stadium shimmered in white during “Blinding Lights,” creating an atmosphere that felt more like a cinematic event than a traditional concert.

Among the most electric moments of the evening were “Take My Breath,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Faith,” and “Save Your Tears.” Yet he never strayed from the roots that made him a cult favorite before his global ascent, revisiting darker tracks like “Kiss Land,” “The Morning,” and “High for This.”

During transitions, The Weeknd briefly addressed the crowd, often calling out the city by name. “Where we at right now?! Where we at right now?! Where we at right now?!” he yelled into the mic before belting a drawn-out “Vancouverrrrrr” that echoed through the stadium.

The setlist was meticulously crafted, highlighting not only his vocal stamina, but his ability to traverse genres and eras, from the brooding R&B of “House of Balloons” to the Daft Punk-fueled brilliance of “I Feel It Coming.”

After nearly two hours of non-stop spectacle, Tesfaye closed the show with “Moth to a Flame,” then followed up with a message on Instagram: “CANADA OFF TO A GREAT START.” A quiet nod to Vancouver that something even bigger may be planned for Night 2.

Whether this was your first Weeknd show or your tenth, there was no denying the magnitude of the moment. With 41 songs, zero filler, and an arena that became a living, breathing art installation, The Weeknd proved once again that he isn't just revisiting the After Hours era, he’s elevating it.

Remaining Tour Dates

July 16 – Vancouver, BC at BC Place

July 19 – Edmonton, AB at Commonwealth Stadium

July 24 – Montreal, QC at Parc Jean-Drapeau

July 25 – Montreal, QC at Parc Jean-Drapeau

July 27 – Toronto, ON at Rogers Centre

July 28 – Toronto, ON at Rogers Centre

July 30 – Philadelphia, PA at Lincoln Financial Field

July 31 – Philadelphia, PA at Lincoln Financial Field

August 2 – Landover, MD at Northwest Stadium

August 7 – Toronto, ON at Rogers Centre

August 8 – Toronto, ON at Rogers Centre