2026 Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo Begins Tonight

Despite a few setbacks organizers with the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo are looking forward to another remarkable weekend of events and activities for every cowpoke from near and far.

Today (Friday) marks the opening of the 66th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo today, as events begin this evening with the Boots N Beats with the Windjammers at 8:00 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds.

This year’s rodeo was supposed to feature the “Giant Rodeo Parade” tonight (Friday) however organizers were forced to cancel the parade due to lack of entries as a direct result of the wildfire smoke in the region.

On Saturday, the competitions begin with the Rodeo Slack beginning at 9, with a rodeo market at 11, then the Rodeo Performance begins at 1.

“It’s going to be a great weekend of events,” said Tanner Girletz, 2026 NVPR Producer. “The competition will be fierce as many riders are still competing for points to move up the PBR standings.”

Also on Saturday the Rodeo Tailgate Party will sure to draw a crowd with music by Coldwater Road from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Then it’s the Rodeo Dance featuring the Coquihalla Coyotes from 8:00 until midnight at the Rodeo Grounds.

The action will continue on Sunday:

-Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club of Merritt at 8:00 am at the rodeo grounds.

-Cowboy Church at 9:30 am

-Kid Zone at 10:30 a.m.

-Rodeo Market and Live Music featuring Ross Fairweather at 11:00 a.m.

-The Main Rodeo Performance begins from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

-Tailgate Party with Coldwater Road from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Complete details can be found clicking here.