On which weekday is the Met Gala traditionally held?

The Met Gala is traditionally held on a Monday. The event is commonly scheduled for the first Monday in May, although dates have changed in some years because of exhibitions, public-health restrictions, and other circumstances.

The Monday timing is part of the gala’s recognizable annual rhythm in fashion and entertainment coverage. It takes place before the Costume Institute exhibition opens to the public, with the evening functioning as a major fundraiser for the department.

The word “traditionally” is important because the schedule has not been absolutely fixed. The 2021 gala, for example, took place in September rather than May, while the 2022 event returned to May. The 2024 gala was held on Monday, May 6.

The Met Gala is sometimes described as occurring on the first Monday without qualification. That is a useful shorthand for the normal pattern, not a rule that overrides every exceptional year.