Everything you can expect from the Weeknd 2026

Who is The Weeknd?

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is a Canadian artist known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and melancholic synth sounds. He carries a mysterious, cinematic presence and often tells stories in his music about nightlife, fame, love, and the darker sides that come with them. His voice is recognizably high and emotional, and his visual style, from dark, neon‑lit aesthetics to iconic album personas, makes him one of the most distinctive and innovative artists of his generation. Can’t wait? Get ready to sing along with The Weeknd!

About three years ago, The Weeknd last performed at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. This year, he returns for three nights of spectacular entertainment. The tour carries the same name but comes in a fresh new form, with a new special guest: Playboi Carti!

Timetable

• 17:00 – The doors of the ArenA open
• 18:50 - Opener Prince 85
• 19:35 - Special guest Playboi Carti
• 20:45 - The Weeknd
• 23:00 - Expected end time

FAQ

The Weeknd will perform at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in 2026 on July 16, 17, and 18, with special guest Playboi Carti. The shows will start at 8:00 PM. Read the general house rules below and get ready for a dazzling show!

Will the roof be open or closed?
The roof will be closed during The Weeknd.

• Which entrance should I use?
  The correct entrance for your ticket is listed on your ticket. It’s not possible to enter through a different entrance.
• Can I bring food and/or drinks inside?
  A wide variety of food and drinks will be available for purchase inside the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Bringing your own food and/or drinks is not allowed. Any food or drinks brought to the entrance will need to be disposed of in the available bins. Visitors with medical conditions, such as insulin injections, can send a medical certificate and/or passport to info@johancruijffarena.nl.
• Wearing football shirts, club‑related or provocative expressions, and/or face‑covering clothing is not permitted.
• Can I bring a bag inside?
  It’s not allowed to bring (hand)bags, luggage, or backpacks larger than A4 size (21 x 30 cm) and thicker than 10 cm into the stadium.
• Can I use drugs during this event?
  We enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. It is prohibited to use, sell, or possess drugs during The Weeknd. If you are found in violation, you will be handed over to the police. Before entering the event, you will have the opportunity to dispose of drugs in the designated bins without facing any consequences.
• Where is the First Aid located?
  Multiple First Aid stations are located throughout the stadium, and mobile teams will be patrolling the field and rings. The First Aid rooms are indicated by signs. In case of an emergency, stewards can assist in locating the First Aid posts or mobile teams.
• Is smoking allowed inside?
  The Johan Cruijff ArenA is a smoke-free stadium. Therefore, there are no smoking areas, and vaping is also not allowed inside the stadium.
• Am I allowed to bring an (empty) bottle inside?
  Unfortunately, bringing (empty) bottles is not permitted.
• What items am I not allowed to bring inside?
  Click here for an overview of prohibited items to make sure you’re well-prepared!
• Where is the First Aid located?
  Multiple First Aid stations are located throughout the stadium, and mobile teams will be patrolling the field and rings. The First Aid rooms are indicated by signs. In case of an emergency, stewards can assist in locating the First Aid posts or mobile teams.

Return your cup!

During the The Weeknd concerts at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, we use a cup system. Whether you’re on the field or in the seating area, returning your cup helps ensure it gets collected and recycled.

accessibility

• Public Transport
  There are two train stations near the Johan Cruijff ArenA: Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA and Duivendrecht. Both stations are within walking distance of the stadium. Check the NS website for any potential disruptions on your route. Plan your journey in advance using the NS travel planner on the NS website or in the NS app. Be sure to check the travel planner again just before your departure for any last-minute changes or delays. The Johan Cruijff ArenA is also accessible by city and regional buses. You can plan your route using the 9292 OV planner.
• Bicycle/Motorcycle
  There are bicycle parking facilities at the entrance of Woonmall Villa ArenA and at the Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station. The latter is a self-service facility, accessible from 15 minutes before the first train until 15 minutes after the last train. During events, you can park your bicycle or scooter here for a reduced rate of €2. Motorcycles are advised to park on the pavement near P6.
• Car
  If you’re traveling by car, we advise you to depart well in advance and to enter the area via the S112/Gooiseweg. From there, you’ll be directed to a suitable parking location. You can also use the P+R network in Amsterdam (Amsterdam RAI, Olympic Stadium, P+R Noord).

Plan your car trip or share an empty seat in your car via this page

Dinner at the ArenA

Complete your concert experience and enjoy a dinner at the Johan Cruijff ArenA! Book a table at one of our restaurants before enjoying The Weeknd. Read more via the button below.

Skybox

This is your reminder to experience The Weeknd from the best spot in the stadium. From your own skybox, you’ll have the best view and top service, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle on stage without a worry. Click the button below for more information.

Sensory-friendly space

At the Johan Cruijff ArenA, we are committed to creating a pleasant concert experience for every visitor. Including visitors who are sensitive to stimuli or in need of a quiet moment. Do you have a standing ticket on the field? During the concert, you can make use of our sensory-friendly space on the ArenAdek. A calm space with reduced noise and comfortable seating to help you recharge.

Audio description

We believe it’s important that everyone can enjoy a concert at the Johan Cruijff ArenA — including people with a visual impairment. That’s why this year, at all concerts in the ArenA, you can listen live to an audio description. This is available in Dutch, and for selected concerts also in English. This way, you can follow everything that happens on stage, right down to the smallest detail.

Who is Playboi Carti?

Playboi Carti (Jordan Terrell Carter) is an American artist known for his innovative and influential style within the hip-hop scene. With his experimental sound and minimalist production, he has developed a distinctive musical identity. His music focuses less on traditional song structures and more on atmosphere, energy, and repetition, earning him a dedicated global fanbase.
Beyond music, Carti is recognized for his bold aesthetic and mysterious persona, drawing inspiration from punk, fashion, and avant-garde culture. Projects like Die Lit and Whole Lotta Red have solidified his status as a trendsetter in modern rap. Excited? Start listening to Playboi Carti on Spotify!

We hope to have prepared you for your concert experience at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Is your question not listed above? Please check the our FAQ!