Dua Lipa Brings Radical Optimism Tour to Toronto: Canadian Concerts of the Week

One of music’s biggest pop stars comes to Canada this week, as Dua Lipa boasts two nights at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, kicking off her Radical Optimism tour.

Plus, Grammy-winning country juggernaut Lainey Wilson and indie singer Japanese Breakfast spend time on the West Coast, while rock band The Who bids farewell with two dates in Toronto.

Concert of the Week

Dua Lipa, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto — September 1-2

For two nights, get ready to dance the night away. British pop star Dua Lipa kicks off her North American Radical Optimism tour at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. Boasting hits on hits, Lipa is set to put on a top-tier performance. Last year, the Grammy-winning artist released her third studio album, Radical Optimism, a less flashy version of her 2020 record, Future Nostalgia, which elevated the state of music during the pandemic — including single “Levitating,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 for three weeks.

While the album wasn’t as popular amongst fans compared to Future Nostalgia, Lipa’s third project peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and spent 17 weeks on the ranking. It managed to amass chart-topping moments, including lead single “Houdini,” meanwhile had a 17-week reign on the Billboard U.S. Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Preceding singles “Training Season” and “Illusion” managed to crack the top 30 on the Canadian Hot 100.

If Lipa’s setlist is anything like her European and Asian tour legs, fans might expect a Canadian artist’s song to be covered — at her last headlining show in Ireland, she performed a rendition of Sinead O’Connor’s version of Prince’s “Nothing Compare 2 U.” The last time Lipa performed in Toronto three years ago, multiple injuries occurred after unauthorized fireworks were set off during the show — here’s hoping that won’t be a repeated incident.

Tickets are available here.

More Canadian Concerts of the Week

Lainey Wilson, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary — August 28

The award-winning country superstar is riding into the Western Canadian province for one night, in support of her 2024 album, Whirlwind, which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Last week, Wilson released the album’s deluxe version, which is sure to have its own moment at the show.

Tickets are available here.

Japanese Breakfast, Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver — September 1

Lead singer Michelle Zauner and her crew are bringing their fourth studio album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), and fan-favourites like “Road Head” and “Be Sweet” to the West Coast. Originally a solo project, the now five-piece act blends softupbeat indie pop with dark, brooding alternative sounds.

Tickets are available here.

The Who, Budweiser Stage, Toronto — September 2, 4

One of the biggest bands in rock history are performing their final shows across the globe as they wrap up their illustrious six-decade career. For two nights in Toronto, the aptly titled The Song Is Over tour will highlight the British band’s last hurrah as they balance the ability to dispel nostalgia and deliver authentic rock moments.

Tickets are available here.