Roots Picnic 2026 Announces Full Lineup Led by JAY-Z, The Roots

The Roots Picnic has released the full lineup for its 2026 edition. The event will take place over two days, May 30 and May 31, at Belmont Plateau, a park site overlooking the city and located in The Roots’ hometown.

Announced earlier this week, headlining this year’s festiva are JAY-Z and The Roots. The newly announced lineup also includes Erykah Badu, Kehlani, and Brandy. Additional artists scheduled to appear include hip-hop group De La Soul, singer Mariah the Scientist, and rapper T.I. The festival will also feature performances by Corinne Bailey Rae and Bilal, both known for their blend of soul, jazz, and alternative influences.

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Jermaine Dupri is set to host a special segment titled “Jermaine Dupri & Friends,” which is expected to feature guest appearances and a retrospective of his work as a producer and performer. Philadelphia native DJ Jazzy Jeff will also be part of the lineup, continuing his frequent involvement in the hometown event.

Among the festival’s signature elements is its focus on collaborative live performances. This year’s program includes J. Period’s Live Mixtape, a set that will incorporate appearances from The Roots’ Black Thought and rapper Wale. The format combines DJ-driven sets with live musicians and guest vocalists, offering a different structure from traditional concert performances.

Organizers have also planned a tribute segment celebrating the anniversary of Go-Go music, the rhythm-heavy genre that originated in Washington, D.C. The tribute is intended to recognize the genre’s cultural influence and its connections to the broader hip-hop and R&B landscape.

Tickets for Roots Picnic 2026 are currently on sale. For more information and additional details, festivalgoers can visit the official Roots Picnic website. 

An artist lineup can be found below: 

Roots Picnic 2026 Artist Lineup