Jay-Z, Erykah Badu to headline Roots Picnic in Philly, full lineup revealed

This year’s concert will mark the first time the Roots Picnic will be held at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The historic space provides an incredible view of the city’s skyline and has been a popular meetup spot for decades, even getting a shoutout in the 1991 hip-hop classic “Summertime” from Roots Picnic performer DJ Jazzy Jeff and hip-hop legend the Fresh Prince.

“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing Jay-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee said. “After meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hearing her vision for Philly 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.”

The venue switch follows last year’s rocky start, when festivalgoers faced frustratingly long lines and entry headaches on day one.

Many people took to social media, claiming they waited hours to get inside and saying there was a lack of communication from organizers. The following day, organizers apologized and addressed concerns.

This year, organizers stated, “we heard you, new venue, better experience,” and outlined planned improvements based on attendee feedback.

Organizers said there will be an upgraded Roots Picnic app and SMS service that will allow better communication, an added second entrance to reduce lines and speed up entry, more Roots Picnic ambassadors inside and outside the festival and improved premium experiences for general admission and VIP ticket holders.

Visit rootspicnic.com for more information and to get your pre-sale tickets.