The Real West

For over 60 years, The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association has been committed to preserving the ranching & rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley & creating community. The NVRA hosts a wide range of events, including ranch rodeos, youth rodeos, barrel racing, roping & other equestrian events & clinics. We also host a variety of non-equestrian events.


We had a great 2023 season and are looking forward to 2024! Keep scrolling down to see what is planned for this year.

Our season is April to October

Check out our events calendar to see what's happening at the grounds!

The best place for outdoor events in Merritt

With plenty to offer, including covered stands & lots of room for camping, our grounds will meet your needs!

MAKE A RESERVATION for:

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    64th Annual Pro Rodeo

    Aug 31 & Sep 1, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    The 2023 event was a huge success, enjoyed by record crowds. Thank you to our generous sponsors and volunteers for making it possible and a HUGE thank you to everyone that attended. You all helped to make a great weekend happen!SEE YOU ON LABOUR DAY WEEKEND in 2024

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    High School Rodeo

    May 4 & 5, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    This is an annual event hosted by our local High School Rodeo Club, under the umbrella of the BC High School Rodeo association. The two day rodeo gives an opportunity for dedicated youth from around the region to compete with each other to earn points for a position in the finals at the end of the season. Come out and be surprised at the high level these kids compete at! Admission is free.

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    Little Britches Rodeo

    June 1 & 2, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    Another annual event that gives cowboys and cowgirls of the future a chance to develop their skills in competition against others in their age group. This is a family oriented sport that benefits these young competitors in several ways including the responsibility they learn through caring for their animals, as well as the respect, camaraderie and sportsmanship they gain as competitors. Admission is free.

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    Bullriding & Mini Buckers

    June 22, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    More details available soon

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    BC Cutting Horse show

    June 14 - 16, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    We are excited to have another cutting show in Merritt this year! Rooted in ranch work, this popular sport showcases the horse's athleticism and ability to handle cattle. The horse and rider work together as a team before a judge or panel of judges to demonstrate their ability.

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    Nicola Valley Kennel Club DOG SHOW

    June 28 - July 1, 2024 
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    This is an all breed conformation dog show and has been a part of Merritt events for over 40 years. Now grown to 4 days, the show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Held for many years in Voght park, this is the second year we have hosted the club at the rodeo grounds. Spectators are welcome, concession will be open and admission is free! 

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    Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Show

    July 6-8, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    It is such an honour to have the Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association choose Merritt as the location for their Under the Sun Show this year! This is a National Reined Cow Horse Association approved event. The goal of the CCRCHA is to promote and preserve the sport of reined cow horse in Western Canada by offering shows, clinics, events and more.

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    Canadian Bluemoon Elvis Festival

    July 12 - 14, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    UNFORTUNATELY, THE ORGANIZERS HAVE HAD TO CANCEL THIS EVENT FOR 2024

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    Nicola Valley Ranch Rodeo

    August 24, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    This event kicks off rodeo week in Merritt and there was a great turnout in 2023, both for teams and spectators. A ranch rodeo is a traditional type of rodeo in which teams of cowboys (and cowgirls) from different ranches compete against each other in events based on the type of work they do every day. Come on out and cheer for our local ranch teams - admission is free! Concession and beer garden will be open. It's a great way to get your rodeo on and ready for the big one on Labour Day weekend?

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    BC Little Britches Finals Rodeo

    Sep 14 & 15, 2024
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    Our local Little Britches club is thrilled to host the BCLBRA finals in Merritt this year! The provinces top competitors will spent the weekend at NV rodeo grounds to vie for the year's highest honours. We expect several of our local kids to be among them! Admission is free.

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    NVRA Memberships, Roping Nights & Open Riding Info

    2024 Season
    NVRA Rodeo Grounds

    NVRA is pleased to host open riding at our arena. Click the "more info" link below for times and prices. Sadly we were unable to set up our regular weekly roping in 2023, but are working on scheduling some special fun evenings for 2024. Check back here for updates and join the Facebook group "Merritt Rodeo Grounds Events and Practices" here to stay current.

Family Fun For Everyone!

Get In Touch With Us

Address

499 Lindley Creek Road,Merritt, British Columbia

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