JAŸ-Z is headlining this year’s Roots Picnic, and it is the first time he has topped a U.S. festival bill since 2017. The two-day event takes place May 30 and 31 at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, marking the first time the festival has been held at the historic site. Presale tickets are available now, with general on-sale beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. ET at rootspicnic.frontgatetickets.com.
This is a significant moment. JAŸ-Z, who recently reclaimed that spelling in honor of the 30th anniversary of ‘Reasonable Doubt,’ last performed live in Paris joining Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter Tour. His last festival headline slot was Tidal X and Austin City Limits in 2017. Seeing him return to a U.S. stage in this context, alongside The Roots, carries real weight.
Shawn Gee, Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban, summed it up plainly: “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 festival’s move to Belmont Plateau connects directly to Philadelphia’s broader 250th anniversary celebrations, with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s vision shaping the ambition behind this year’s event.
The Roots Picnic has been a cornerstone of hip-hop culture since 2007, hosting artists including Lil Wayne, The Weeknd, Nas, Usher, A$AP Rocky, Snoop Dogg, and Vampire Weekend over nearly two decades. Additional artists for this year’s lineup will be announced soon.
Additional lineup announcements are coming. This one sets the bar high.