No date is more anticipated, sartorially speaking, than the first Monday of May. For the fashionably uninitiated, this marks long-awaited Met Gala day, which this year falls on May 4 (or 5, if you're in Australia).
The evening begins on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but the night is so much more than a standard red carpet. It sees the world’s biggest designers dress an equally considered guest list in looks designed around an often enigmatic dress code — this year, it's 'Fashion is Art'.
As always, there's much to speculate on when it comes to the 2026 iteration. The dress code has long been set, but how it's actually interpreted, and who scores a spot on the guest list, remains a mystery until the last moment. So when will the details surrounding this year's Met Gala crystallise? Luckily, we have all the important details. If you’re planning to tune in from Australia, here’s exactly when and where to watch the 2026 Met Gala live.
What time does the Met Gala start in Australia?
The Met Gala red carpet begins in the early evening in New York, which translates to the following times locally:
- 8am AEST — New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, ACT
- 7:30am ACST — South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6am AWST — Western Australia
Arrivals tend to roll out over several hours, so even if you miss the very first entrance, there’s still plenty to catch.
Where to watch the Met Gala in Australia
For 2026, the official livestream will once again be hosted by Vogue, across its digital platforms. That includes the publication’s website and YouTube channel, where the red carpet coverage is accompanied by interviews.
If you prefer a more traditional broadcast format, coverage from E! will also air locally via 7Bravo and stream on 7plus.
What is the 2026 Met Gala theme?
Each year, the Met Gala is anchored to the spring exhibition at the museum’s Costume Institute, with the theme setting the tone for the night’s interpretations. In 2026, that exhibition centres on “Costume Art,” with a corresponding dress code of “Fashion As Art.” We've broken down the difference between the theme and the dress code, for those looking to take a deep dive.
Who is attending the 2026 Met Gala?
Speculation is part of the fun, and the full guest list won’t be confirmed until the event starts, but a handful of names are already locked in as co-chairs, including Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.
We've also been watching (very) closely for clues on who is and isn't attending, and have compiled all our findings into a comprehensive list.
