During the second weekend of Coachella, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is set to create a memorable experience with a “ferris wheel takeover” event. This initiative will run from Friday to Sunday, providing attendees with a unique interaction at the festival.

Film Promotion and Artistic Expression

The announcement, made on April 16 via Instagram, ties in with the promotion of The Weeknd’s upcoming psychological thriller, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film’s poster, which features an upside-down image of a ferris wheel, encourages festival-goers to “SEE YOU IN THE DESERT @coachella.” Directed by Trey Edward Shults and featuring a screenplay co-written by The Weeknd, the narrative offers a fictional account of the artist himself, exploring themes of insomnia and existential reflection through a mysterious relationship with a stranger.

Joining The Weeknd in Hurry Up Tomorrow are prominent actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. The Weeknd, known for his collaborative efforts with musician Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), also composed the film’s score. The film is set for theatrical release worldwide on May 16, distributed by Lionsgate.

Musical Legacy and Recent Coachella Appearances

This film aligns with the thematic expressions found in The Weeknd’s last studio album, which shares the same title as the film. The project serves as the concluding part of a trilogy, following his albums After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022). The album Hurry Up Tomorrow made a strong debut, achieving the number one position on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts after its release on January 31.

The Weeknd’s ferris wheel takeover at Coachella marks his first appearance at the festival in two years. He previously made a special guest appearance during Metro Boomin’s performance in 2023 and has headlined the festival twice, in 2018 and 2022 alongside Swedish House Mafia.