JAŸ-Z & The Roots, Erykah Badu Headlining 2026’s Roots Picnic 

JAŸ- Z is set to headline the first day of 2026’s Roots Picnic and will perform with The Roots for the first time in over a decade. Erykah Badu tops the lineup the second day, with additional confirmed artists including Kehlani returning to the festival for the first time since 2016 and Brandy making her Roots Picnic debut.

Brought to fans by The Roots and Live Nation Urban, Roots Picnic takes place Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, marking the first time the Philadelphia event has been held at the historic Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park.

This week’s announcement notes that Belmont Plateau is “known for having one of the best views of the city and is a place where hip hop and black culture flourished in the 1980s and early 90s.”

The lineup also boasts TI, De La Soul, Mariah The Scientist, DJ Jazzy Jeff, a Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Go Go Music with an All Star band and more. 

“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing Jay-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee said in a statement. “After meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hearing her vision for Philly 250, she truly inspired us to dream even bigger, and we’re grateful to her, Commissioner Susan Slawson, Jazelle Jones and everyone who helped make it happen. We can’t wait to see everyone in May at the Plat.”

Tickets are on sale now at https://rootspicnic.frontgatetickets.com/