The Weeknd Returns To Denver With His After Hours Til’ Dawn Tour
The Weeknd giving Denver a show for the ages. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
The Weeknd’s After Hours Til’ Dawn tour rolled into Denver, Colorado, delivering a spectacle that left the city buzzing long after the final note. Known for pushing the boundaries of concert production and blending dark, moody aesthetics with high-energy performance, Abel Tesfaye did not disappoint. Hidden in the shadows of red moody lighting adorned by dancers clad in red cloaks, The Weeknd opened with The Abyss off his newest album.
From the opening track, the energy was palpable. The stage was a dynamic maze of lights and visuals that perfectly complemented the haunting, synth-heavy beats of the Hurry Up Tomorrow album. The transition into more upbeat songs like “Blinding Lights” injected the crowd with electrifying energy, sparking a sea of flashing phones and shout-alongs that filled Empower Field at Mile High to capacity. A 41-song setlist provided the soundtrack to his massive catalog of hits that has adorned us for the past decade.
What set this show apart was The Weeknd’s seamless blend of intimacy and spectacle. Between tracks, he shared candid moments, reflecting on his journey and connection to Denver, giving fans a glimpse of the artist behind the star persona. This authenticity, combined with flawless vocal delivery and tight choreography, made for a captivating experience. Opening behind a mask was theatrical as he hid his persona before erupting into Starboy, which set the tone for the rest of the night.
Guests were treated to a rich setlist spanning his career, including crowd favorites like “Heartless” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” The production valued both visual storytelling and sound, with intricate light shows (and plenty of pyro) amplifying emotional undertones in songs like “The Hills.” The stage design—a vibrant, pulsating cat-walk that changed with an array of lights and color—served as a metaphor for the emotional rollercoaster The Weeknd’s music is known for.
The concert's pacing was expertly managed; slower ballads gave way to dance-heavy numbers, keeping the crowd engaged without exhaustion.
In sum, The Weeknd’s After Hours Til’ Dawn tour in Denver wasn’t just a concert; it was a masterclass in modern pop performance—bold, immersive, and emotionally charged. Fans left the arena not just entertained, but energized, reminded of why Abel Tesfaye remains a defining voice in today’s music landscape. Denver got a night to remember. Openers Mike Dean and Playboi Carti provided some hype before Tesfaye took command.
