Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off
Calling all rib lovers!
It’s America’s biggest and best free-entry barbecue festival!
In 2016, The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off was named “Best BBQ Festival” by USA Today’s Top10 Readers’ Choice. The annual iconic event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a must-attend culinary, music, craft and family end-of-summer affair.
Enjoy the country’s best grilling competition, located at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, just east of Reno. Two dozen of the world’s top barbecue competitors serve up more than 240,000 pounds of ribs for hundreds of thousands of hungry event-goers on Victorian Square. In addition to tasty ribs, enjoy live entertainment throughout the day and headline entertainment in the evening.
BBQ Events
The annual event takes place during Labor Day Weekend and brings together the best of the best in ribs, sauces, cookers, and even world rib-eating champions. BBQ teams will compete for first to fifth place, best sauce, and the people’s choice award. With first place winners set to receive $10,000, needless to say the heat is on!
Rib cookers from all over the world compete for top honors and are judged by a carefully selected panel that works behind the scenes to determine which team made the best ribs. The judging is double-blind, so neither the staff setting up the ribs nor the judges know which ribs belong to which chef. These judges come from a variety of different backgrounds—from culinary professionals and food critics to media personalities who share a passion for down-home BBQ.
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off is Northern Nevada’s best grilling competition, located at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, NV.
VIP Experience
A VIP table in the 'Rib Village' means that you won't just enjoy mouthwatering side dishes, desserts, and all-you-can-responsibly-drink beverages (beer, wine, etc.), but will also be at the center of the weekend’s entertainment. While tables sell out quickly, don’t worry-the event is huge! From live music stages to craft vendors, kids’ activities and more, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off is a crowd favorite.
Live Music on the Main Stage
Every night at Victorian Square features live musical entertainment on the Main Stage. What’s better than digging into gourmet ribs, cracking open a cold beer with the sounds of live tunes? This year’s performances range in genre from country to rock ‘n’ roll:
- Wednesday, September 2 – Hinder
- Thursday, September 3 – Hotel California
- Friday, September 4 – The Wailers
- Saturday, September 5 – Taylor Dayne
- Sunday, September 6 – Revisiting Creedence
- Monday, September 7 – Drew Baldridge
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 unique musical entertainment!
Directions and Parking
Directions
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off is a 10-minute drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and downtown Reno. For the most convenient access to Victorian Square, book your stay at the Nugget Casino Resort. There are plenty of great hotels in the area, too, if rooms begin to fill up. Check out our list of other local hotels near the Nugget Rib Cook-Off.
Parking and Shuttles
Getting to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off is easy. There is a free shuttle service, as well as rideshare drop-off/pick-up areas. Parking is also available in the Nugget’s West Parking Lot and at the City Parking Garage near the Galaxy Theatre.
Round-trip shuttles are available from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pick-up location for this complimentary shuttle is the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (4590 S. Virginia St.), and drop-off location is the RTC Centennial Plaza Downtown Sparks (1421 Victorian Avenue).
It’s time to come hungry and leave satisfied. We’re sure you’ll be licking your chops all the way until next year’s event!