The Roots Picnic is back this weekend at The Mann Center (5201 Parkside Ave.), and the musical celebration will feature a slew of star-studded talent spanning Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, Maxwell, Miguel, Kaytranada and more.
Performances will take place on Saturday (May 31) and Sunday (June 1), with different tiered ticket options on sale: One-day passes run for $125, while two-day sits at $225. Locals can also opt for the GA+ experience ($400) with private cash bars, access to a lounge and more, or a Silver or Gold package. The former ($799) offers VIP access and perks like an on-site concierge, and the latter ($1399) is the most lavish of the picks with pit access, direct view of the stage and more.
Some stand-outs to look out for this weekend: Jeezy will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album ‘Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101’; the J.Period Live Mixtape will feature Black Thought, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T; Musiq Soulchild will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his album ‘Aijuswanaseing’; The Roots are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’; and Rich Medina’s Black House Set will feature Crystal Waters and Cece Peniston.
During the day, visitors can also find other entertainment sprinkled throughout the grounds like Trap Karaoke, the Dear Summer Festival, All Spice World Dance and more. A full line-up of performances and set times can be found online.
The Roots Picnic also stacks a line-up of food trucks to peruse through while on site. Guests can pick both sweet and savory options from vendors like the Cloudy Donut, Juiced By B, Mike’s BBQ, Rita’s, Shugar Shack Soulfood, The Grilled Salmon Stand, Tinga Finga, 4 Roosters and others. The festival will also include a newly established day party lineup with DJs rotating throughout the event (look out for Trap Karaoke, Chill Vibes featuring DJ Active, Doo-Wop …That R&B Party and more).
The festival is really just the start when it comes to the whole Roots experience in the city. The 3rd Annual Roots Picnic Con will also be in full swing this weekend with conversations and panels across a variety of topics including music education, financial literacy, tech, health and wellness, and more.
Taking place on Friday (May 30) at Punch Line Philly (33 E Laurel St.), this year’s panels, powered by Starz, Everytown for Gun Safety, SEIU, The Recording Academy, and more, will feature Da’Vinchi from the hit television show “BMF”, musical artist Laila!, SEIU President April Verrett, Black Music Action Coalition Co-Founder and President Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and more. As a release notes, there will also be a special closing keynote conversation between director, writer, and producer Malcolm D. Lee focusing on his new book, ‘The Best Man Unfinished Business’ and Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter discussing his book, ‘The Upcycled Self.’
With part of the festival taking place in June, it’s also acting as an opportunity to start celebrating Pride. Live Nation Urban’s LGBTQ+ platform, “Houses of Luv,” and Philadelphia native and Vice President of Philly Black Pride, Jacen Bowman, recently announced the return of Roots Picnic Pride for its second year. They say 2025 will expand its celebration of Black queer artistry and community through “a dynamic pre-event and on-site ballroom showcase, highlighting the vibrant intersection of hip-hop, Black culture, and ballroom.”
“We are incredibly excited to bring Roots Picnic Pride back for the second year, expanding our celebration to include the dynamic world of ballroom,” says James June, founder of “Houses of Luv” and Live Nation Urban creative lead. “Collaborating with Jacen for Philly Black Pride helps us to further amplify LGBTQ+ artists and culture, creating a powerful platform for visibility and celebration. I’m also thankful for having allies at Live Nation Urban for championing this community”
The fun begins on May 30 with a party at Warehouse on Watts ( 923 N Watts St.) with talent from ballroom music artist Infinite, electronic music artist Bayli, rapper Billy The Goat and Philly Drag Queen Mz. Peaches. Roots Picnic Pride will continue at the venue on Saturday, May 31, with a mini-ballroom showcase, an “all-out” vogue battle onstage, plus, a journey of queer movement and sound “honoring the feminine movements of Black and Latina trans women of the underground ballroom community.”
Tickets/RSVP for Roots Picnic Pride Soiree can be found online at universe.com/rootspicnicpride.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be part of Roots Picnic Pride again. This year, we’re bringing the energy of the ballroom scene directly to the festival, showcasing the incredible talent and artistry within our community. This is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of our culture, our strength, and our undeniable style,“adds Bowman. “We’re making history by highlighting the art of vogue on such a prominent stage. The Philadelphia Ballroom scene has been in existence for over 30 years. And I’m beyond proud to pioneer this movement of infusing ballroom into music festivals.”
To find out more about the 2025 Roots Picnic, visit therootspicnic.com
