Your Guide to The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off

It is finally time to welcome the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off to Sparks, Nevada taking place August 30 – September 4, 2023. Everyone loves a three-day weekend, so why not spend this year’s Labor Day surrounded by meat, smoke and sauce? With two dozen of the world’s top barbecue competitors serving more than 250,000 pounds of ribs, you are going to need a guide telling you where to go, how to get there and when to arrive.

Rib Cookers Compete for Top Honors

With the winning prizes of $19,500 in cash, this year’s 20 Rib Cookers are ready to bring their A-game. This year’s competitors include returning favorites like Montana Q Bar-B-Que House and Back Forty Texas BBQ, as well as newcomers Men Wielding Fire, from Reno. Sample delectable ribs made by cookers from around the country. The winners will be announced on Monday, September 4 at 2 p.m.

Have a VIP Experience at the Rib Village

Why not enjoy the Best in the West Rib Cook Off with front-row seats? Tickets for the Rib Village include side dishes, dessert, and all-you-can-drink beverages, including beer and wine. These tables, set for 10 people, are limited and sell quickly, so buy yours while they are still available!

Live Music on the Main Stage

Every night of the Rib Cook Off, there is live musical entertainment on the Main Stage. What’s better than chowing down on delicious ribs, chugging a cold beer and listening to good music? This year’s performances include a mix of bands and artists from country to rock ‘n’ roll. The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, August 30 – LIT with Chad Tepper
• Thursday, August 31 – Lindsay Ell
• Friday, September 1 – Collin Raye
• Saturday, September 2 – Warrant with Paralandra
• Sunday, September 3 – The Gatlin Brothers
• Monday, September 4 – The Legendary Wailers

Little ones will love the variety of rides and activities in the Kids’ Area, and you can take a break from rib sampling for some shopping in Crafters’ Crossing. The Plaza Stage also features a variety of different musical entertainment!

Free Shuttles and Parking

Getting to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off is easy. There is a free shuttle service, rideshare drop-off/pick-up areas or free parking in the Nugget’s West Parking Lot and at the City Parking Garage, near the Galaxy Theatre.

Round-trip shuttles are available Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off locations for this complimentary shuttle are the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, located at 1350 N. Wells Ave. and Greenbrae Shopping Center/Sparks Christian Fellowship at 510 Greenbrae Dr.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, check out the full schedule of the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off events.