Roots Picnic organizers posted an apology on social media after some attendees said they waited hours to get through security on the first day of the festival.

And on Sunday, the sun shined down on The Roots Picnic. Saturday’s opening day of the annual Black music and cultural festival curated by Philadelphia and The Tonight Show band The Roots wasn’t anybody’s idea of a picnic in the park.

Questlove gave a heartfelt explanation after the 2025 Roots Picnic Day 1 “disaster” left furious fans stranded outside for hours due to severe weather. Organizers’ response to heavy rains drew “Fyre Fest” comparisons,