The 2026 People’s Ball at the Brooklyn Public Library

June Ambrose & Souleo Rocking the 2026 People’s Ball. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

By RUBEN NATAL-SAN MIGUEL May 7th, 2026

The 2026 People’s Ball took place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch. The annual free event has become an inclusive, community-driven alternative to the exclusive Met Gala, encouraging attendees from all backgrounds to “strut their stuff” on the runway in outfits that express their most authentic selves.

Co-curated by Souleo, Jakab Orsos, and Meredith Walters, the evening also featured specially commissioned awards created by artist Beau McCall.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the 2026 People’s Ball celebrated the enduring legacy of American fashion, with a special focus on the contributions of women and Black and Native American communities.

Honorees:
Bethann Hardison — pioneering model and activist.
June Ambrose — award-winning creative director and costume designer.
Patricia Michaels — internationally celebrated Native American fashion designer.

Entertainment included a performance by Tony Award winner Melba Moore and music by DJ Fritzo.

The evening was hosted by television and radio personality Bevy Smith alongside actor Ariel Polanco.
 

Bethann Hardison - 2026 People’s Ball Honoree. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Melba Moore - People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

June Ambrose - 2026 People’s Ball Honoree. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Souleo - Curator Extraordinaire for People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Bethann Hardison and Beau McCall. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Icons Bevy Smith, Bethann Hardison, June Ambrose & Melba Moore. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel
 

Souleo on stage. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Joseph McRae - People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Patricia Michaels - internationally celebrated Native American fashion designer at People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Bethann Hardison and Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Proof at People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Humilit Style - People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel
 

Ready to walk the runway! Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

Catwalk runway walkers - People’s Ball 2026. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel

The People’s Ball 2026 at the Brooklyn Public Library. Photo by Ruben Natal-San Miguel