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Vancouver Vibes Scorecard Just Show Me the Pics

On July 15/16th, 2025…

Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, brought his After Hours Til Dawn Tour to Metro Vancouver’s biggest venue, BC Place.

*Image by Anthony Batista (@anthony_batista)*

There are concerts, and then there are full-blown experiences, and The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour falls firmly in the latter. Vancouver got not just one but two sold-out nights at BC Place, the largest venue in Metro Vancouver; a rare achievement that only a select few artists can pull off. But if anyone was going to do it, it was Abel Tesfaye.

Stepping into the venue, it was clear this tour is more than a series of songs; it's cinematic theater. The stage as an cinematic art installation with surreal visuals, a ruined gold‑tinged cityscape, and pyrotechnics that felt apocalyptic yet majestic.

The show itself was around two hours of non‑stop energy. With a setlist hitting 41 songs with zero filler, this was a full immersion into The Weeknd’s universe, both old and new.

Unfortunately, the excitement was dimmed slightly for some fans when news broke just hours before the first show that Playboi Carti, the much hyped opener, had been removed from the lineup. Rumors of visa issues had swirled for weeks, something Carti has faced in the past, but confirmation on show day still stung for those who had held out hope. As usual, Mike Dean took the stage (beginning early on both nights), delivering his iconic synth‑heavy opening set that beautifully lay the groundwork for The Weeknd’s entrance.

The energy The Weeknd brought was unreal: flawless vocals, the kind where every note is crystalline, even in the loudest stadium moments. Pyro and lights exploded at just the right moments, and the stage design, complete with dancers’ hypnotic performance, made the entire stage design feel hauntingly symbolic. Even with the lack of the usual fireworks, the show was still magical.

For Vancouver, this wasn’t just a concert — it was a moment. Two colossal nights of artistry, narrative, sound, and daring spectacle that reminded everyone exactly why The Weeknd is in a league of his own.

But beyond the lights, pyro, and production, what stood out most was how much Abel clearly cares about his fans. In night two, a moment caught everyone’s attention when security in the pit became noticeably uptight with some fans. Mid-performance, without missing a beat, he called it out directly: “Security, leave the fans alone.” The crowd roared, not just in agreement, but in appreciation of an artist who actually pays attention to what’s happening in the room.

Later in the same show, during his Dawn FM standout “Out of Time,” he continued a tradition that’s gone viral from his tour. Rather than singing it from the stage, he walked off far end the stage all the way to stage right and shared the song as a duet with a few stunned fans. It was intimate, human, and completely unscripted; a reminder that even in a stadium of 50,000, he’s still looking for connection.

It wasn’t just about the music — it was about witnessing a homegrown star who’s redefined global pop and brought it back to where it all started. Nights like these make it clear: Canada couldn’t be prouder of our very own, the current #1 artist in the world.

Music Highlights

The Abyss
Wake Me Up
After Hours
Starboy
Heartless
Faith
Take My Breath
Sacrifice
How Do I Make You Love Me?
Cant Feel My Face
Lost in the Fire
Kiss Land
Often
Given Up on Me
I Was Never There
The Hills
Baptized in Fear
Open Hearts
Cry for Me
I Can't Fucking Sing
São Paulo
Until We're Skin And Bones
Timeless
Creepin
Niagara Falls
One of the Girls
Stargirl Interlude
Out of Time
I Feel It Coming
Die for You
Is There Someone Else?
Wicked Games (with elements of "I Was Never There")
Call Out My Name
The Morning
Save Your Tears
Less Than Zero
Blinding Lights
Without a Warning
Reflections Laughing
High for This
House of Balloons
Moth to a Flame

Vancouver Vibes Scorecard

Transportation: Easy transit to the venue but gets extremely crowded when concert ends.
Venue: Security was quite strict. Open roof stadium, but no fireworks allowed. N2 had many water stations and cups distributed. Floor was not allowed to bring closed-top cups, which resulted in many spilled drinks on the floor. Can be hard to see the artist because of the size/shape, especially when you’re on floor.
Leather, maroon, black, white, The Weeknd costumes, merchandise
The stage and signs scattered around the venue is definitely worth the picture.
Many drink and food services available in venue (ex. Guiness)