A high quality, action-packed family event that honours the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley.
September 5 & 6, 2026
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View 2026 Rodeo Program
We regret to say The Parade is CANCELLED
Pro-Rodeo Camping Reservations are CLOSED
Would you like to attend the Rodeo AND be a part of it? There are plenty of Volunteer Opportunities on Rodeo Weekend in Merritt. From helping with the Parade, Rodeo setup or Dance setup to selling gate tickets, 50/50 tickets or beverages, your contribution can help make the 2026 Rodeo a success.
Volunteer positions are available Friday evening as well as all day Saturday and Sunday. There are many opportunities that will suit your schedule and allow you to view the different aspects of Rodeo Weekend.
Click here to go to our Volunteer Website
View the positions that are available & sign up. BC Transit and the City of Merritt are providing a FREE SHUTTLE to help get you to the rodeo a little easier, September 5 & 6, 2026.
The free shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers at Merritt City Hall. Trips headed to the Merritt Rodeo will leave Merritt City Hall, pick-up times 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm.
Return trips from rodeo grounds will be 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
The parade has been CANCELLED but Boots 'n' Beats is happening!
Kick off the weekend festivities with our community parade starting at 6:30 PM. After the parade, head over to the rodeo grounds for "Boots 'n' Beats", an evening of live music and fun!
Boots 'n' Beats: Free admission - music by the Windjammers at 8:00 PM and there might even be a line dancing lesson included. Bring your friends and family and help us celebrate the start of rodeo weekend in style! Food and drink will be available for purchase and bar sales will be open.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Rodeo Slack
9:30 AM – Kids Corral (Zone) Opens
TNV is providing bus transports to and from the dance. See poster
Gates Open: 8:00 AM
Dogs are permitted on the rodeo grounds but must be on leash at all times. Seating with dogs is only allowed in the West Grandstand (the section closest to the stall buildings).
PLEASE - no pets at the dance!
KEEP SCROLLING FOR RODEO HIGHLIGHTS
A fast-paced, popular event for brave kids where 3 person teams try to catch, halter, and ride a semi-handled pony against the clock. A fast catch and staying on for two jumps can make you winner!
Check out this action from the Calgary Stampede
And a skill test for the adults! A team of cowboys must rope, hold, and extract milk from a not always cooperative beef cow in the shortest time possible. This tests traditional ranch skills, requiring intense teamwork and physical coordination to get enough milk into a bottle to pour out.
Watch CBC Wild Cow Milking - Video
Abbey Harty from Edam, Saskatchewan, is Miss Rodeo Canada 2026. Known as the "First Lady of Canadian Professional Rodeo," she serves as the official ambassador for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, promoting western heritage and agriculture at events across North America.
Raised in a rural ranching community, she has been involved in rodeo and horsemanship for over a decade and currently competes as a member of the University of Saskatchewan College Rodeo Team at intercollegiate rodeos across Western Canada.
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Bring your lil’ cowpokes and enjoy the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo.
A sincere thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors for making this weekend possible.