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

The 2026 Roots Picnic is set to take place on May 30-31 at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, featuring a star-studded lineup headlined by Jay-Z and Erykah Badu. This year’s festival marks the first time the event will be held at the recent location.

Lineup Highlights

Rap legend Jay-Z will perform with The Roots on Saturday, May 30, marking their first performance together in over a decade . Erykah Badu will headline on Sunday, May 31 .

Additional performers include Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., De La Soul, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mariah the Scientist, Wale, Bilal, Corinne Bailey Rae, Adam Blackstone, Yolanda Adams, Tamar Braxton, Ledisi, Andra Day, and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Go Go Music with an all-star band . Jermaine Dupri will too appear with a special guests set .

New Location

The festival is moving to Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park, a historic space with a view of the Philadelphia skyline . The location was even referenced in DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s 1991 hit “Summertime” .

Statements from Organizers

Shawn Gee, Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban, stated, “Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing Jay-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us” .

Ticket Information

Tickets are currently available .