The countdown to Miss Universe 2026 is officially underway, and this year's competition promises more than glamorous gowns, dazzling national costumes, and the crowning of a new queen.
The 75th edition of Miss Universe 2026 will take place in Puerto Rico, with up to 120 delegates expected to participate in the international beauty pageant.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoAccording to the Miss Universe Organization, contestants will begin arriving on November 8, ahead of several weeks of cultural experiences, charity initiatives, public appearances, rehearsals, and major competitions. The festivities will culminate in the grand finale on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
For pageant fans planning to follow every appearance, here is the Miss Universe 2026 calendar of activities, including the much-awaited national costume parade and preliminary competition.
Miss Universe 2026 Calendar of Activities: Complete Schedule
The Miss Universe Organization has confirmed three major competition dates, while Puerto Rico tourism officials have announced additional public activities across the island.
Schedule based on official Miss Universe announcements and Puerto Rico Tourism Company event information reported October 29–30. Additional activities and timings may be announced.
November 8: Miss Universe 2026 Delegates Arrive in Puerto Rico
The Miss Universe journey begins on November 8, when delegates from around the world start gathering in Puerto Rico. The opening days will focus on arrivals, preparations, rehearsals, group activities, and opportunities to explore the host destination.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoFor the contestants, this is also a chance to meet their fellow delegates and begin representing their countries on the international stage.
The Miss Universe Organization has said that national franchises are finalizing travel arrangements and documentation for participating contestants. With up to 120 delegates expected, the anniversary edition is set to be a major international event.
November 11–17: Cultural Tours and Charity Activities
Before the competition heats up, Miss Universe 2026 contestants will take part in a series of activities highlighting Puerto Rico's culture, communities, and tourist attractions.
The public schedule begins November 11 in Aguadilla, where contestants will participate in a cultural event featuring music and entertainment.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoOn November 14, the delegates will travel to Ponce for Luz de Esperanza: Universo Rosa en Puerto Rico, a special community activity bringing contestants together with cancer patients to share experiences and messages of support.
The activities continue November 16 at Parque Forestal La Marquesa in Guaynabo, where delegates will experience the area's natural and recreational attractions.
On November 17, the contestants will visit SER de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey, an organization serving people with disabilities and their families. Each delegate is expected to contribute an item representing her country for a subsequent charity auction.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoThese activities provide opportunities for contestants to demonstrate their commitment to community engagement while introducing international audiences to different parts of Puerto Rico.
November 21: Miss Universe 2026 National Costume Parade
One of the most exciting events on the Miss Universe 2026 calendar is the National Costume Extravaganza, scheduled for November 21 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. The national costume show gives contestants the opportunity to celebrate their countries through elaborate outfits inspired by history, mythology, traditions, architecture, wildlife, and cultural identity.
Unlike the evening gown competition, where elegance takes center stage, the national costume presentation encourages creativity, theatricality, and artistic storytelling.
© LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHAExpect intricate craftsmanship, dramatic accessories, elaborate headpieces, and imaginative designs that transform the stage into an international celebration of culture. For many pageant enthusiasts, this is one of the most anticipated portions of Miss Universe because it showcases not only the contestants but also the designers and artisans behind their extraordinary costumes.
The event is officially called the National Costume Extravaganza. Although it is sometimes described as a national costume parade, the confirmed November 21 event is a staged competition at the coliseum.
November 22: Miss Universe 2026 Preliminary Competition
Just one day after the national costume presentation, contestants will return to the stage for the Preliminary Competition. This is a crucial part of the Miss Universe selection process because delegates will have the opportunity to impress the selection committee before coronation night.
The preliminary competition includes two major segments: swimsuit and evening gown.
© Getty ImagesDuring the swimsuit portion, contestants are evaluated as they demonstrate their stage presence, confidence, and presentation skills. The evening gown segment offers another opportunity to showcase their composure, elegance, and personal style.
The preliminary performances help the selection committee determine which contestants will advance in the competition. With so many accomplished women competing, the preliminary event is likely to be one of the most closely watched nights of Miss Universe 2026.
November 24: Miss Universe 2026 Coronation Night
The biggest event of the competition arrives on November 24, when the 75th Miss Universe will be crowned. The grand finale will take place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, bringing together contestants, international supporters, pageant personalities, and special guests.
The 2026 competition will also feature a public voting component. According to the Miss Universe Organization, the contestant receiving the highest number of official fan votes will automatically secure a place among the Top 30 semifinalists.
© Thai News Pix/LightRocket via GeThat gives fans an opportunity to help their favorite delegate advance to the final competition.
The organization has also unveiled a redesigned stage featuring moving scenic elements, advanced lighting, three-dimensional graphics, and video technology. These elements are intended to create different visual settings throughout the anniversary celebration.
