Roots Picnic takes place at Crystal Palace Bowl in London.
Summer is about to get a lot more musical. The legendary Roots Picnic has announced that it is coming to the Crystal Palace Bowl in London. Taking place from 8 to 9 August 2026, it will be headlined by Nas and The Roots, alongside Robert Glasper and Questlove, as well as Common and Anthony Hamilton.
Roots Picnic forms part of Palace Bowl Presents, a new festival series running from 31 July to 16 August 2026. The event will transform Crystal Palace Bowl into a hub of local and global music. Roots Picnic started in Philadelphia, United States, and is now making its international debut. Since its launch in 2007, it has become a cultural phenomenon – and this year’s event in the United States includes Jay-Z and Erykah Badu.
On 8 August 2026, guests can enjoy a special performance from Nas and The Roots. Throughout his career, Nas has released several successful albums, including It Was Written (1996), which features the hit single “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” featuring Lauryn Hill, which has been lauded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time. In 2002, he released “Made You Look,” a single from the album God’s Son, which achieved significant commercial success and remains one of his most popular tracks. The evening will also feature performances from Sasha Keable, J.PERIOD Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Yasiin Bey and Benny The Butcher, as well as rising star Nia Smith.
On 9 August 2026, the line-up includes Sunday Jam led by Robert Glasper and Questlove, joined by special guests Common and Bilal. The programme also features Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, and Gotts Street Park with Olive Jones. Plus, Floetry will be performing in the UK for the first time in a decade.
Palace Bowl Presents will also welcome a range of acts, including Davido, Grace Jones, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Soul II Soul. The inaugural Gospel Garden Festival will bring uplifting sounds to the stage, headlined by Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
How to get tickets
Tickets and prices for Roots Picnic in London are not yet available.
Visitors can sign up for presale access and will be notified when tickets become available.
Where: Crystal Palace Bowl, Terrace Straight, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 2GA
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026 from 2pm to 10.30pm
Contact: https://rootspicnic.com