Roots Picnic 2026: Jay-Z, Erykah Badu & Full Lineup Revealed

Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic unveiled its full 2026 lineup Friday, adding Erykah Badu as a co-headliner alongside Jay-Z, in what festival organizers are calling a landmark moment for the event. The two-day festival will be held at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park on May 30 and 31, marking the first time the Roots Picnic will take place at the fresh location. Billboard first reported the expanded lineup.

Jay-Z will headline the opening night, Saturday, May 30, performing with The Roots – a reunion that has been anticipated for over a decade. Badu will close out the festival on Sunday, May 31. The addition of Badu provides a stylistic counterpoint to Jay-Z, pairing one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures with the influential neo-soul artist whose career began in Philadelphia.

Beyond the headliners, the festival boasts a diverse roster of performers spanning R&B, hip-hop, and Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene. Kehlani and Brandy are among the newly announced acts, alongside T.I., De La Soul, Mariah the Scientist, and Wale. Philadelphia native DJ Jazzy Jeff will host a block party, and Jermaine Dupri will present a set with special guests. NBC Philadelphia detailed the breadth of the lineup, highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing both established artists and emerging talent.

The festival will also feature unique programming elements, including a 50th-anniversary celebration of go-go music with an all-star band. Adam Blackstone will lead a tribute to the soundtrack of the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, featuring performances by Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Tamar Braxton, and Andra Day. This tribute underscores the festival’s dedication to celebrating Black musical heritage.

The move to Belmont Plateau represents a significant shift for the Roots Picnic, which has previously been held at various locations throughout Philadelphia. The new venue offers expansive space and views of the city skyline, as noted in PhillyVoice, and was even referenced in DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s 1991 hit “Summertime.” Shawn Gee, Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban, described the move and the Jay-Z/Roots reunion as “bucket-list moments.”

Tickets are currently available, but the festival’s organizers have not yet addressed potential capacity limitations at the new venue or detailed logistical plans for managing the larger crowds expected at Belmont Plateau.