Live, in Photos: Roots Picnic 2026 with Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, Kehlani, and More

Live, in Photos: Roots Picnic 2026 with Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, Kehlani, and More

De La Soul, Brandy, Mariah the Scientist, and more from The Roots’ annual celebration in the City of Brotherly Love.

Photos: David Iskra

June 02, 2026

All eyes were on the Roots Picnic this year, and not just because of the headliners. Last year’s festival faced significant challenges due to weather and logistical issues, as fans and critics alike were vocal about their frustrations. Yet despite the backlash, it was clear that most attendees were willing to give the festival a second chance. This year, the picnic moved from its longtime home at The Mann Center (currently undergoing renovations ahead of its 50th anniversary and the summer season) to nearby Belmont Plateau. The change brought rolling hills, sweeping skyline views, and—perhaps most importantly—no mud.

Like many great festivals, Roots Picnic draws much of its personality from the city that hosts it. Attendees from New York, D.C., and beyond got a full taste of what Philly is all about from the food, the people, and the vibrant art scene, to the music that was born here. In fact, the festival experience began well before the gates opened on Saturday: The week included a comedy showcase featuring Dave Chappelle and friends, a charity basketball game, and an intimate surprise performance by headliner Jay-Z for just 200 guests.

The festival grounds reflected the city’s culture and creativity, too. Food options were far better than the average festival fare, with vendors serving everything from lemon pepper wings to sweet potato cinnamon rolls. Additionally, local businesses sold jewelry, clothing, and handmade goods throughout the grounds. Community organizations were also prominently featured. Design Philadelphia highlighted its work around affordable housing, while Mural Arts Philadelphia—one of the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions—showcased the creative spirit that defines the city. The Free Library of Philadelphia sponsored activations throughout the event, encouraging literacy and engagement. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books showcased Questlove’s publishing imprint Auwa Books with a curated selection, including titles celebrating legendary producer J Dilla and Sly & the Family Stone.

The crowd itself was another of the weekend’s highlights: Inflatable couches dotted the hillsides, blankets covered the grass, and smiles were everywhere. This wasn’t crowd-chasing chaos—it was an audience enjoying a sense of community built around music performed across two stages, in addition to the Toyota Music Den and its platforming of emerging artists and future stars—including Ambré, who delivered a set to a standing-room-only crowd.

Of course, the biggest talking point of the weekend was Jay-Z. The headliner emerged through haze and shadows to deafening cheers as fans pressed against the barricades. Backed by The Roots, Hov opened with freestyles that immediately set social media buzzing. Like nearly every major set throughout the weekend, guest appearances came fast and often. If you stepped away for a bathroom break, there was a good chance you missed local favorites like Freeway, Meek Mill, or Jazmine Sullivan, each sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy.

If Jay-Z delivered the weekend’s most talked-about performance, Erykah Badu provided its most spiritual one. Her Sunday evening set served as the perfect wind down to a packed weekend. Filled with chanting, jazz-infused arrangements, and her signature laid back delivery, Badu was the chillout room to Jay-Z’s Saturday night party. Never one for simplicity, Badu arrived in an outfit as visually striking as anything Björk might wear, yet unmistakably her own.

The rest of the lineup showcased the eclectic spirit that’s become a Roots Picnic trademark: DJs, soul singers, rappers, pop artists, and genre-defying performers anywhere in between all found a place on the schedule. Black Thought seemed to be everywhere, appearing with The Roots and in solo performances. One standout moment came Sunday afternoon when he welcomed hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane to the stage, with the two trading verses in a masterclass of lyricism.

Elsewhere, Wale joined in on the fun by turning his afternoon set into what could’ve been a headline performance. GRAMMY-winner Bilal had the crowd swaying as he and his band went through his classic hits, with his progressive-soul vibe matched by the blue sky and puffy clouds. Corinne Bailey Rae blew in like a cool breeze on Sunday afternoon, while Mariah the Scientist brought confidence and star power to her performance backed with dancers and a tight three-piece band. Between acts, DJs Diamond Kuts, Cash Money, and DJ Aktive kept the crowd moving with classics from Soul II Soul and tributes to the late Rob Base.

De La Soul delivered one of the weekend’s most joyous performances, filling the air with classics, sing-alongs, and reminders of why their catalog remains timeless. Brandy arrived with a full-scale production complete with dancers, a vibrant wardrobe, and choreography for days. Kehlani also brought reinforcements with a cadre of dancers who spent the set trying to keep up with the star herself. Elsewhere, T.I. drew a crowd large enough to make some attendees wonder why he wasn’t on the main stage.

Comedian Deon Cole introduced several of the acts over the course of the weekend and repeated a sentiment that resonated: “The news doesn’t cover this—people are out having fun. Look at all you beautiful people, smiling and enjoying yourselves. This is what they should be talking about.” And that summed up the story of Roots Picnic 2026, a weekend where music, culture, community, and joy outweighed the problems. After the difficulties of last year, that feels like a victory worth celebrating.