The Ultimate Met Gala Start Time Guide: When The Red Carpet Opens And How To Watch The Next Two Years

The Met Gala, famously known as "fashion's biggest night," is a notoriously exclusive event, but the one thing the world is invited to is the dazzling red carpet. For those eager to catch the spectacle, the official live stream and red carpet coverage typically begin at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), although the very first celebrity arrivals often start as early as 4:30 p.m. ET. This timing is consistent for the annual event, which always takes place on the First Monday in May.

As of December 18, 2025, the focus is already shifting to the next two highly anticipated events: the 2025 and 2026 Met Galas. Knowing the exact start time is crucial for fans globally, as the two-hour red carpet window is the only part of the evening that is televised and streamed live to the public. The event is a crucial fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City.

The Essential Met Gala Start Times and Key Details (2025 & 2026)

To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, here is a breakdown of the critical timings for the upcoming Met Galas, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the fashion spectacle. The event’s timing is structured around the red carpet, which is the main public attraction.

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Met Gala 2025: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"

The 2025 Met Gala will celebrate the exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," a theme inspired by scholar Monica Miller's work on Black dandyism.

• Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (The First Monday in May).
• Early Guest Arrivals (Press Check-in): Approximately 4:30 p.m. ET. Guests will begin to arrive privately around this time.
• Official Red Carpet Opening: 5:30 p.m. ET. This is when the main flow of high-profile guests typically begins.
• Official Live Stream Start Time: 6:00 p.m. ET. This is the definitive time to tune in to the official broadcast.
• Red Carpet End Time: The arrivals usually wrap up around 8:00 p.m. ET, after which the private dinner and exhibition viewing begin inside the museum.

Met Gala 2026: "Costume Art"

Looking ahead, the 2026 Met Gala will explore the theme “Costume Art,” focusing on the dialogue between fashion and the body, curated by Andrew Bolton.

• Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 (The First Monday in May).
• Official Red Carpet Opening: 4:30 p.m. ET. Early reports suggest the red carpet may open slightly earlier for the 2026 event.
• Official Live Stream Start Time: While not officially announced yet, based on historical data, the live stream is expected to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET.
• Confirmed Co-Chairs: Anna Wintour, joined by global superstars Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. The host committee also includes Yves Saint Laurent’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, and Zoë Kravitz.

Why The Met Gala Start Time Is So Specific

The Met Gala's precise timing is a carefully choreographed dance designed to maximize media exposure while maintaining the exclusivity of the private event. The entire process is a masterclass in event management, coordinated by Anna Wintour, the long-time co-chair and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue.

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The core of the public interest revolves around the red carpet arrivals, which typically last for a focused two-hour window (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET). During this time, the world's biggest celebrities, designers, and cultural figures ascend the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue, showcasing their interpretation of the year's specific dress code and theme.

The earlier start time for guest arrivals (often 4:30 p.m. ET) allows for a staggered process, ensuring that the biggest names—like the co-chairs, the hosts, and the fashion titans—can make their grand entrance during the peak 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET viewing window. Once the final celebrity has entered, the live stream ends, and the private event begins, which includes a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and a private viewing of the new Costume Institute exhibition.

How and Where To Watch The Met Gala Live Stream

If you are planning to watch the Met Gala live, the 6:00 p.m. ET start time for the official stream is the most critical detail. The event is not typically broadcast on major network television in its entirety, relying instead on digital platforms and specialized entertainment channels.

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The official, high-quality, and theme-focused live stream is consistently hosted by the event’s official media partner, Vogue.

Official Viewing Platforms (The Best Quality)

• Vogue’s Digital Platforms: The most reliable source is Vogue's official website, YouTube channel, and various social media accounts (including TikTok and X). They provide the most intimate and curated view of the arrivals, often featuring interviews with the celebrities and designers.
• Live Stream Hosts: Vogue typically announces a new set of hosts each year to anchor the broadcast, providing commentary on the fashion, the theme, and the celebrity guests.

Secondary Viewing Platforms (Additional Commentary)

• E! Entertainment: E! often provides extensive pre-show and live coverage of the red carpet, beginning earlier than the official Vogue stream. This channel typically focuses more on celebrity interviews and fashion commentary.
• Streaming Services: Depending on the year and regional broadcasting rights, coverage may be available through streaming services that carry the E! channel, such as DirecTV or Fubo, often requiring a subscription or free trial.

It is highly recommended to check Vogue’s social media channels in the days leading up to the First Monday in May for the final confirmation of the live stream start time and the announced hosts for the year.

Converting The Met Gala Start Time to Your Time Zone

Since the Met Gala takes place in New York City, all official start times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). This is a crucial conversion for international fashion enthusiasts. The live stream begins at 6:00 p.m. ET, which corresponds to the following major global time zones:

• Pacific Time (PT): 3:00 p.m. PT
• Central Time (CT): 5:00 p.m. CT
• Mountain Time (MT): 4:00 p.m. MT
• London (GMT/BST): 11:00 p.m. BST (or 10:00 p.m. GMT)
• Paris/Berlin (CEST): 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) CEST (the following day)
• New Delhi (IST): 3:30 a.m. IST (the following day)
• Sydney (AEST): 8:00 a.m. AEST (the following day)

For the most accurate local time, always search for a conversion tool using the official start time of 6:00 p.m. ET and your specific city. The two-hour red carpet window is a fast-paced event, so setting your alarms and reminders based on the 6:00 p.m. ET start is the best way to ensure you don't miss the biggest fashion moments of the year.