Commercial Bay’s annual Solstice celebration will return this month, bringing four days of fashion, music and events to the downtown Auckland precinct from 24–27 September.
At the centre of the 2026 programme are two open-air runway shows, curated and styled by New Zealand creative Sammy Salsa. Taking over Commercial Bay’s ground-floor laneway, the shows will feature new-season collections from local and international retailers including Zambesi, Juliette Hogan and Hugo Boss.
The first show will take place at 8pm on Thursday 24 September, followed by a second at 1pm on Saturday 26 September. While invited guests will be seated alongside the laneway, both shows will be open for the public to watch free from Levels One and Two of the precinct.
Providing the soundtrack will be legendary New Zealand DJ P-Money, who will perform live during both shows, bringing his signature sound to the four-day fashion celebration.
Beyond the runway, Solstice will spill into Commercial Bay’s stores, beauty destinations, bars and restaurants with a line-up of limited-edition experiences.
On Friday 25 September, Zambesi will offer an exclusive preview of its summer collection from 5pm–7pm, with designer Liz Findlay in store, drinks on arrival and special offers. Nicole Rebstock will mark the opening of its new Commercial Bay store with complimentary Bluebells Cakery cupcakes and an in-store offer, while Sylvester will offer a complimentary gift with purchase and Moochi has collaborated with J’aime on a limited edition macaron
Beauty is also part of the programme, with bespoke Solstice lash sets available to book at The Lash Room. On Saturday 26 September, Dermalogica will be at One Queen Courtyard offering complimentary minis of its Daily Microfoliant.
Across the precinct’s bars and restaurants, Queens Rooftop will serve a limited-edition Whitebait Toastie, while Origine will offer its Solstice Star pre-show aperitif, and Dos Donkeys has teamed up with Solect by Pat Menzies to create two limited-edition cocktails.
Also returning for 2026 is the popular Solstice claw machine, this time with a $5,000 Commercial Bay spending spree up for grabs.
Visitors who spend $150 or more at participating retailers between 24–27 September can present their receipt at the Concierge Desk to receive a token and take a turn at the machine, with the chance to win the major prize.
