The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is America’s biggest and best free-entry barbecue festival!

Come out and enjoy the country’s best grilling competition, located at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, just outside 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.

Admission, parking, shuttles and entertainment are always free!

• Dates:
  • Wednesday, August 30 – Monday, September 4,  2017
• Event Hours: 
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Monday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Kids area: Open every day during the event
• Rib Village Hours:
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday Ribster Lunch: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Monday: Noon – 5:00 p.m.
• Event Location:
  • Victorian Square, Sparks, Nevada on Victorian Avenue between 14th Street and Pyramid Way.
• Free Parking: 
  • Parking near the event is extremely limited and fills quickly. We recommend taking advantage of the free shuttle service!

Main Stage Entertainment:

Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – The Romantics

Thursday, August 31, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – Night Ranger

Friday, September 1, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – Love & Theft

Saturday, September 2, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – Gin Blossoms

Sunday, September 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – Eric Paslay

Monday, September 4, 2017, 3:00 p.m. – A Flock of Seagulls

Plaza Stage Entertainment:

Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – Bon Fire (Tribute to AC/DC)

Thursday,  August 31, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – Shades of Twain (Tribute to Shania Twain)

Friday, September 1, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – Boogie Nights (Classic Disco)

Saturday, September 2, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – Country Artists (Tribute to Kenny  Chesney)

Sunday, September 3, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – Life in the Fastlane (Songs of the Eagles)

Monday, September 4, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – Ultimate Stones (Tribute to the Rolling Stones)