The first day of the 2024 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia didn’t go as planned, and fans are not happy. Many people who attended the popular music and culture festival described the opening day as a total disaster.
From long wait times to confusing directions and limited access to food and water, the crowd faced one problem after another.
The event, held at The Mann Center in Fairmount Park, attracted thousands of fans. But many who showed up early said they waited for hours just to get inside.
Some even reported waiting over three hours in line, only to find out they were in the wrong queue or that certain gates were closed. Security and staff members seemed overwhelmed and confused, adding to the chaos.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans posted videos and messages showing massive lines that stretched far beyond the venue.
Others shared complaints about poor crowd management, saying there were no clear signs or guidance from the organizers. One person tweeted, “People are fainting. No water. Just vibes and confusion.”
Many fans paid a lot of money to attend the event. General admission tickets started at around $149, while VIP packages cost several hundred dollars more. Some people even flew in from other cities. For them, the experience was especially disappointing.
Apart from the long lines and entry issues, fans also said there was a lack of basic needs like food, drinks, and restrooms.
Once inside, many attendees found that food stalls had either long lines or were completely out of supplies. Some even said they missed performances because they were stuck in lines for over an hour. Others couldn’t find water stations or shaded areas to stay cool.
The Roots Picnic is known for featuring big names in hip-hop, R&B, and culture. This year’s lineup included stars like Lil Wayne, Jill Scott, Nas, Gunna, and Sexyy Red. But for many fans, the excitement of seeing their favorite artists couldn’t make up for the frustrating experience.
One attendee wrote on Instagram, “We paid VIP prices and waited hours just to get in. The staff had no idea what was going on. People were yelling, pushing, and some were crying. It was dangerous.”
Some even questioned the safety of the event. Videos showed large crowds pushing toward entrances with little space to move. Several fans said they felt unsafe, and there were rumors that a few people fainted while waiting in the sun.
The event organizers had not released an official statement at the time of reporting. However, disappointed fans continued to demand refunds and better management for future events. A few even said they were planning to skip the rest of the festival because they didn’t feel it was worth the trouble.
The problems on Day 1 have raised concerns about whether the rest of the weekend will be better. The Roots Picnic is set to continue through Sunday, with more artists and cultural discussions planned. But after such a rocky start, many attendees have lost trust in the organizers.
Some fans are hoping that the event team learns from the mistakes and makes improvements quickly. They want clearer instructions, better crowd control, more access to basic needs like water and food, and overall safer conditions.
The Roots Picnic has been running since 2008 and has built a strong following over the years. Organized by the hip-hop band The Roots, it’s one of the biggest cultural festivals in the country.
However, if the issues faced during this year’s opening day are not fixed, the festival could lose the trust and support of its dedicated fanbase.