Erykah Badu & Jay-Z headline the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philly. See the full lineup with Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., and more. May 30-31.
- March 21, 2026
AceShowbiz - The lineup for the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia has been officially announced, revealing that Erykah Badu will be one of the headlining performers. Known as one of R&B's most influential voices, Erykah Badu is set to take the main stage on the festival’s second and final day, May 31.
This announcement came on Friday, March 20, alongside the full lineup release, which had already generated excitement with the confirmation that Jay-Z will headline the opening night on May 30. Jay-Z's appearance marks his first live performance since joining Beyoncé onstage during her Cowboy Carter Tour last year.
Beyond the headline acts, the festival features a diverse roster of artists including Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., Mariah the Scientist, De La Soul, Corinne Bailey Rae, DESTIN CONRAD, KWN, Bilal, and Sasha Keable, among others.
The Roots Picnic will also offer special programming such as a live mixtape set by J. Period featuring Wale and festival co-founder Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Magnificent Block Party, and a showcase titled Jermaine Dupri & Friends.
Attendees can look forward to a tribute to the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack curated by Adam Blackstone, spotlighting performances by Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Tamar Braxton, and Andra Day. Additionally, there will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music, presented by Baller Alert and Front Porch, and hosted by Noochie and Kenny Burns.
With this impressive lineup and special events, the 2026 Roots Picnic promises to be a memorable celebration of music and culture in Philadelphia.