Jay-Z and Erykah Badu to Headline the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia

The 2026 Roots Picnic is set to take over Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia with a star-studded lineup headlined by Jay-Z and Erykah Badu. The festival will take place over two days, May 30th and May 31st, bringing together a diverse range of artists and special programming.

Jay-Z’s Return to the Stage

Jay-Z will kick off the festival on May 30th, marking his first live performance since joining Beyoncé onstage during her Cowboy Carter Tour last year [Rolling Stone]. He will be performing with The Roots as his backing band.

Erykah Badu to Close Out the Festival

Erykah Badu is slated to headline the festival’s second and final day, May 31st [Rolling Stone]. Her performance brings one of R&B’s most influential voices to the main stage.

Full Lineup and Special Programming

Beyond the headliners, the 2026 Roots Picnic boasts a comprehensive lineup including Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., Mariah the Scientist, De La Soul, Corinne Bailey Rae, DESTIN CONRAD, KWN, Bilal, Sasha Keable, and more [NBC Philadelphia].

Festival-goers can also enjoy special programming such as a J. Period live mixtape set with Wale and Roots co-founder Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Magnificent Block Party, and a Jermaine Dupri & Friends showcase [Rolling Stone]. A tribute to the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, curated by Adam Blackstone and featuring Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Tamar Braxton, and Andra Day, is also planned. The festival will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music, hosted by Noochie and Kenny Burns [Rolling Stone].

New Location for 2026

For the first time, the Roots Picnic will be held at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park [NBC Philadelphia]. The venue offers a view of the Philadelphia skyline and was referenced in DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s 1991 hit “Summertime.”

Tickets for the 2026 Roots Picnic are currently available [Rolling Stone].