Roots Picnic 2026: Road closures, parking, and security at Belmont Plateau

Philadelphia officials on Thursday gave some updates on the Roots Picnic, which is slated to take place this weekend at Belmont Plateau, including information on road closures, parking, and public transportation.

Set to run Saturday and Sunday, this year’s festival marks its first run at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park, and follows a less-than-well-received run at the Mann Center last year. Headlining this year’s event are musical artists Jaÿ-Z and Erykah Badu.

“This is Philadelphia continuing to do what it does best,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a statement. “We set the stage for moments where culture, community, and music come together in a way only this city can deliver.”

Organizers announced the move to Belmont Plateau in March, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson called the location a place where “Philadelphians have gathered for generations and where music, connection, and hip-hop culture have always lived.”

The Roots Picnic will kick off a series of events in Philadelphia that will focus on the country’s 250th birthday this summer. The festival comes just weeks before a “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” concert slated to take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July Fourth. Here is what you need to know:

Officials began gradual road closures in the event’s immediate area on May 18 to allow for venue construction. Those early, gradual road closures affected Belmont Mansion Drive between Chamounix and Montgomery Drives. Belmont Mansion Drive is slated to remain closed through 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Additional intermittent road closures continued this week, affecting Montgomery Drive from Belmont Avenue to I-76. And starting Friday at 9 p.m., the following closures will be in effect through 5 a.m. on Monday:

More road closures are planned Saturday and Sunday, including:

Philadelphia police and public safety officials may close other roads if necessary, the city said in a statement. Officials advised drivers to be cautious and allow extra travel time.

SEPTA transportation to Belmont Plateau is primarily covered by bus Route 38, and the transit agency is expected to provide additional service during and after the event, officials said.

Detour information and service changes will be announced via SEPTA’s website and the SEPTA app.

Officials also noted in a statement that Belmont Plateau can be accessed via car, rideshare, and bike, but attendees should aim to arrive early because traffic conditions can vary depending on the scheduled performances.

Parking for the Roots Picnic is free, but officials said space is expected to be limited and attendees should use public transportation or rideshare services. However, if you do drive, it should be noted that parking is on grass, and will be available at six lots near the festival grounds.

Concertgoers using rideshares, meanwhile, can use the designated pickup and drop-off point at Wynnefield Avenue and North Georges Hill Drive.

Officials said that congestion should be expected, and advised attendees to develop plans to arrive at and exit the event. Additionally, Philadelphia police will provide support, traffic control, and emergency medical services where needed.

“Say something to anyone that you see out here [about] anything you may see that may be nefarious,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.

Organizers said the Roots Picnic app and SMS service would offer additional communication, and event ambassadors inside and outside the festival would be available to help guide concertgoers. There are also two entrances, to help speed attendees’ entrance into the festival — one at Belmont Avenue and Belmont Mansion Drive for all ticketholders, and another at Belmont Avenue and Montgomery Drive for general admission and general admission-plus attendees.

Organizers, meanwhile, advise that items such as food, alcoholic beverages, backpacks, non-service animals, and professional camera equipment are prohibited. You can, however, bring things like umbrellas, blankets, phone chargers, and small bags.