The Roots have announced headliners for the 2026 edition of Roots Picnic, set for May 30 and 31 at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia. The band will be leading the event, alongside fellow rap luminary JAY-Z (the poster lists him as “JAŸ-Z”—either in reference to his name’s stylization on 1996’s Reasonable Doubt, or perhaps they’re taking a note from the Justin Vernon playbook and performing a covers set of Mötley Crüe, Blue Öyster Cult, and/or Motörhead?).
“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing JAŸ-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” The Roots’ manager and President of Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee said. “After meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hearing her vision for Philadelphia 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.”
General on-sale for the fest begins tomorrow, March 18. Visit the Roots Picnic’s official website for more information, and stay tuned for more lineup information soon.
