2026 Met Gala: How to Watch, Theme, and Beyoncé's Return

The 2026 Met Gala is set to take place tonight at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, bringing together a star-studded guest list for fashion's biggest night. This year, attendees will adhere to a "Fashion Is Art" dress code in celebration of the overarching "Costume Art" theme. According to Vogue, the directive was chosen because it perfectly reflects the ethos of the exhibition, which explores the "centrality of the dressed body" through various depictions and interpretations of the human form within the Met’s extensive historical collection.^[1][2]

A major highlight of the upcoming ball is the highly anticipated return of Beyoncé, who will be serving as a co-chair for the event. The superstar has delivered several memorable looks at the gala over the years, but she has not actually attended the prestigious gathering since 2016. Her role as co-chair marks a significant comeback to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's famous steps.^[1][2]

For fans looking to watch the arrivals live, the event will be broadcast online. A livestream of the red carpet will be available across all of Vogue’s digital platforms, including a dedicated stream on YouTube. The official coverage is scheduled to kick off this afternoon, starting at 3 p.m. PT and 6 p.m. ET.^[2]