Pro Rodeo

65th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo

August 30 & 31, 2025

Our rodeo is a high quality, action-packed family event that honours the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley

Buy Tickets

Contestant Info - Soon

Directions

Rodeo Dance

A huge "THANK YOU" to all our volunteers and sponsors!!

Planning is in full swing for out 65th annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo - watch for some exciting new changes coming up along with everything you loved about previous years!

While you wait, here is a brief look back at our 64th annual rodeo from 2024:

Gates opened at 11 with our Tailgate Party each day. Local musician Ross Fairweather kicked off the entertainment in the concourse. Music after the rodeo performance showed off the talents of Patrick Spencer and Coldwater Road to cap off a great day of Rodeo action. 

Rodeo action started at 1:00 pm daily, lasting 2 to 3 hours. As always, the rodeo featured the seven traditional events as well as Ladies' Breakaway Roping, Boy's Steer Riding and the excitement of our specialty acts. Trick rider Keely Sutherland was a great crowd pleaser!

Our popular Rodeo 101 walk let spectators immerse themself in the history and stories of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, including getting to know the past athletes, human and animal, through our descriptive story boards as they wandered the grounds.

Little cowboys and cowgirls were able to try their hand at a variety of games and activities in the Kid Zone, including practicing up on the bucking barrel and stick horse racing! 

Sunday morning started at 9 with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Merritt Rotary Club, and cowboy church, with the rest of the day mirroring Saturday's events, with the exception of the Dance.

In 2025, look for another exciting weekend, with earlier gate opening, a marketplace and lots of other entertainment. Fun for the whole family!  The main event, the rodeo performance is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever!

HOW TO ENJOY THE RODEO WEEKEND!

• The fun starts on Friday evening at 6:30 with a parade through downtown Merritt.
• After the parade mosey on down to the rodeo grounds to enjoy live music by local group Windjammers. Burgers and bar will be available. NO TICKET REQUIRED – free admission.
• Rodeo action starting at 1:00 pm daily, Saturday & Sunday – This year’s rodeo will feature the seven traditional events as well as Ladies' Breakaway Roping, Boy's Steer Riding and the excitement of our specialty acts!l
• Take your Rodeo experience to the next level with our Tailgate Party! Starting at 11 a.m. each day, local musician Ross Fairweather will entertain you in the concourse. Stick around after the Rodeo to catch Patrick Spencer and Coldwater Road cap off a great day of Rodeo action.
• On Saturday evening, the Coquihalla Coyotes go county at 7 pm for the outdoor dance right at the grounds. Don’t worry, there is also a big tent to keep you dry if needed. There is even pre-dance fun for the kids with Jerry Karaoke, from 5 – 6:30.
• Grab a drink and enjoy the Rodeo! The bar boasts a new, more central location, with drinks welcome in the grandstand. But don't worry, the old Beer Garden Saloon will be open as well, for those that like to watch the action from there.
• Rodeo 101 walk - Immerse yourself in the history and stories of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, including getting to know the past athletes – human and animal!
• Fun for the whole family! Have your little cowboys and cowgirls try their hand at a variety of games and activities in the Kid Zone, including practicing up on the bucking barrel and stick horse racing!
• Spend the day with us! Join us on Sunday morning at 8AM for a pancake breakfast and cowboy church. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, at Purity Feed in Merritt, Horse Barn in Kamloops or at the gate.

Please Note:
Dogs are permitted at the rodeo, but must be on leash at all times while on the grounds and seating with dogs is allowed only in the West Grandstand (the one closest to the stall buildings).

Keeping The Cowboy Culture Alive Hosted in Merritt BC for over 60 years, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is a professional rodeo that welcomes you to explore the cultures and traditions of our province in a fun and unique way. We know you want to do something fun, entertaining, affordable, and maybe a little educational with your family this summer – great memories you’ll talk about for years to come. The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is a high-calibre professional event on the Maple Leaf Circuit, and features the finest animal athletes in North America. This means we get the best cowboys and cowgirls from across Canada and the U.S. competing at our rodeo. Proudly, we are endorsed by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the American Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.