The 2026 Kelowna Polo Classic was staged back in the summer with the support of Volvo Cars Kelowna. This summer social event celebrated Kelowna as a UNESCO “City of Gastronomy”.

It was the 4th annual Kelowna Polo Classic. Held on Saturday, June 27th, it was a fundraiser to support the development of young Chefs and Sommeliers in the Okanagan region. Event organizers and the Bailliage of Val d’Okanagan produced Canada’s Best Young Sommelier two years in a row and have also had the honour of having Canada’s Best Young Chef. To represent Canada, they’ve sent their candidates to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2024 (Jeunes Sommeliers), Budapest, Hungary in 2024 (Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs), and Geneva, Switzerland in 2025 (Jeunes Sommeliers).

Guest Experience
The event was attended by 1,100 guests with tickets priced from $75 - $250. New to the event was a “Very VIP” experience in the “Chaîne Enclosure” that included an escorted visit with the horses and teams in the paddocks accompanied by Mimosas and a catered lunch. There were food stations and theme bars with something for everyone. During the event, Bailli Délégué Tony Catanese, who is a Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral, was on hand to induct several new members into the Chaîne in a traditional ceremony.

The event featured five flights (matches) including a US Polo Association sanctioned Elite flight with professional players from several countries. This year’s Champions were from Team Volvo. Live entertainment between flights included “Jango’s Jewels”, a three-piece gypsy jazz ensemble that visited some of the corporate sponsor suites. After the Champagne trophy celebration, the band “Three Scotch In” started the afterparty in the Whiskey and Cigar Lounge where guests danced into the sunset.

About the Competition
The Tournament is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest and is celebrated over three days with the main event, a US Polo Association sanctioned match. The event attracts 12-16 teams, up to 200 horses and professional players. “We love having the chance to share our sport with the public, and we are going to do this in style” said Okanagan Polo Club Director, DJ Bryan.

Community Impact
The Bailliage celebrated Kelowna’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy by using this as the theme of this year’s event. Bailli Stephen Duke commented, “We work very hard to promote the Okanagan as a food and wine destination worthy of international attention through our association’s global network. Kelowna’s recent UNESCO designation makes it even more relevant.”

Next year’s Polo event will be held on Saturday July 3rd, 2027.

Stephen Duke
Bailli