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Not invited to the Met Gala? Here are 3 affordable alternatives.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Apr 30, 2025
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Sidney Oolongo
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Apr 30, 2025
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The first Monday in May is famously time for the Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s rarefied annual fundraiser.
But tickets, which start at $75,000 per person, are beyond unaffordable for most New Yorkers – and you need an invite to go. A number of alternative options, however, offer a way to celebrate the start of spring glamorously but at low cost. Here are three such options.
A scene from a previous year's People's Ball.
Gregg Richards
People’s Ball
The Brooklyn Public Library is once again hosting its People’s Ball, a free night of vogueing through the library.
“The original concept started years ago, just seeing what’s happening in the city, especially taking the inspiration from the Met Gala — a highly exclusive event,” said László Jakab Orsós, the library’s vice president of arts and culture. “So I thought we should have our own.”
This year's theme is "Style Is a Revolution." The Ball will once again feature an accessible runway in the library’s lobby; attendees are encouraged to dress fabulously and walk it. This year’s guests of honor include Academy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, who will also be attending the Met Gala the next day.
The People’s Ball is Sunday, May 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch, at 10 Grand Army Plaza. It’s free with RSVP.
A scene from a previous year's Metro Gala.
Sidney Oolongo
Metro Gala
Since 2019, the Metro Gala has met New Yorkers where they’re at: on the subway and in Union Square. The event rolls out a red carpet first in Union Square and then the party spills into the subway station and onto the trains. All are invited to walk it.
“It is the Met Gala for everyone in New York, celebrating all New Yorkers and how down they are to just walk the red carpet,” said Alexandra Klausner, who cofounded the event with Michelle Joni, both freestyle singers. “We wanted everyone to be on the A train list.”
This year’s theme, "SUPERLINE," riffs on the Met Gala’s – "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" – and, of course, the Metro Gala’s location.
The Metro Gala will take place at Union Square South Plaza on Monday, May 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. followed by a celebratory subway ride which will continue “till we drop.” The event is free for all.
A scene from a previous year's Debt Gala.
Arin Sang-urai
The Debt Gala
For the third consecutive year, the Debt Gala is back, this year with the theme of “Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches.” The event has helped raise funds to eliminate more than $2.5 million in medical debt to date. This year, proceeds will support national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt and trans-led financial aid collective For the Gworls.
“Health care is a human right, and celebration is a tool,” said Tom Costello, co-founder of the Debt Gala. “We’re proud that in just two years, we’ve turned a red carpet into a lifeline — shifting resources where they’re needed most.”
The event will feature performances from comedians Joyelle Nicole Johnson and Gianmarco Soresi, and magician Nicole Cardoza. Additionally there will be live music, a catwalk and a dance party.
The Debt Gala will take place at The Bell House (149 Seventh St., Brooklyn) on Sunday, May 4. The red carpet starts at 5 p.m., the show is at 6 p.m. and the dance party is 8 p.m. on. Tickets start at $35.
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Hannah Frishberg
Hannah Frishberg covers New York City arts and culture. Got a tip? Email Hannah at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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