Just days after teasing that hip-hop heavyweight Jay-Z would be headlining the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, the highly anticipated annual festival has officially dropped its full, star-studded lineup.
Delivering a musical and cultural experience that is truly without comparison, the GRAMMY Award-winning Roots and Live Nation Urban have curated a multi-generational roster of R&B, hip-hop, and soul legends to take over the city this May.
This year’s two-day event is packed with heavy hitters, ensuring an unforgettable weekend for music lovers. Kicking things off on Saturday, May 30, hip-hop luminary Jay-Z will headline the opening night, performing alongside festival founders The Roots. The incredible energy continues into Sunday, May 31, when neo-soul icon Erykah Badu takes the stage to close out the weekend as the Sunday night headliner.
Beyond the headliners, the supporting bill reads like a who’s who of music royalty. Attendees can expect performances from R&B powerhouses like Brandy, Kehlani, Tamar Braxton, and Ledisi, alongside rap veterans T.I., Wale, and the legendary De La Soul. The festival will also feature massive special appearances, including sets from Philadelphia’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jermaine Dupri, Mariah The Scientist, Bilal, Corinne Bailey Rae, Adam Blackstone, Yolanda Adams, and Andra Day.
Adding to the overarching cultural celebration, the weekend will also feature a special 50th-anniversary tribute to Go-Go music.
This year marks a major milestone for the beloved festival. For the first time, the Roots Picnic will be held at the historic Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.
Affectionately known as “The Plat,” the location is famous for offering one of the best views of the Philadelphia skyline. More importantly, it holds a deep significance in the city’s history as a flourishing hub for hip-hop and Black culture throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing JAŸ-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” shared Shawn Gee, Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban. He noted that conversations with Mayor Cherelle Parker regarding her vision for Philadelphia 250 inspired the team to “dream even bigger” for this year’s installment. “We can’t wait to see everyone in May at the Plat.”
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