The Weeknd Gets Key to Toronto and a Whole Weekend in His Name

The Weeknd performs onstage at the Lionsgate presentation during 2025 CinemaCon at Caesars Palace on April 01, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Lionsgate

The Weeknd (known off-stage as Abel Tesfaye) has officially taken over his old stomping grounds. On Saturday, July 26, he was awarded the Key to the City of Toronto, plus a new holiday in his honor: The Weeknd Weekend.

The Grammy-winning singer, who grew up in Scarborough and went to Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, is being recognized for the major ways he’s giving back.

“Born in Toronto, Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye represents the best of our city,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern R&B music as a multi-platinum, Diamond-certified artist while using his platform to create a lasting impact for Toronto and around the world."

The private ceremony included youth from the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and students from The Weeknd’s old high school.

He’s planning to revamp the school’s basketball court, build a sensory room for students with developmental disabilities, and bring a mobile recording studio to the local Boys & Girls Club — plus even more creative spaces for music and dance.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City,” The Weeknd said in a statement. “It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs."

Since 2020, the superstar has donated more than $10 million to humanitarian causes, and while he’s hinted that his famous persona might eventually retire, music still calls to him.

“I don’t think I can stop doing that,” he told Variety earlier this year. “But everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, the Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered.”

Toronto seems to agree, and now, they’ve handed him the key.

Abel Tesfaye The Weeknd

Kayla MorganWriter

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.