The 2023 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off returns August 30 - September 4 to Downtown Sparks, Nevada. Join us for the country’s best rib cook off contest as more than twenty of the world’s top BBQ competitors serve up more than 250,000 pounds of ribs for hundreds of thousands of hungry event-goers.

6 Days / 20+ Ribs Cookers / Free Entertainment

Enjoy The Best BBQ Festival In The Country!  

Often referred to as the Super Bowl of rib competitions on the national BBQ competition circuit, the annual Labor Day Weekend event spans more than 6 city blocks in the heart of downtown Sparks, Nevada.  Two dozen of the country’s best BBQ teams competed for nearly $20,000 in prize money plus prestigious bragging rights!  It is estimated that 350,000-400,000 BBQ enthusiasts take part of the festivities each year consuming more than 250,000 pounds of mouthwatering ribs during the 6-day festival.

In addition to the best BBQ around, a wide variety of activities are offered including a huge arts and crafts vendor show, kids area, VIP area and top named entertainment performing on two stages. There is no admission fee and the event is open to the public.

Daily Schedule:

WED | DAY 1

August 30, 2023

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

PLAZA STAGE

HOUSE MUSIC

6:00 PM-9:00 PM 

MIGHTY MIKE SCHERMER

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

MAIN STAGE

LIT with CHAD TEPPER

THU | DAY 2

August 31, 2023

PLAZA STAGE

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

DJ KENTOT

6:00 PM-9:00 PM 

BUDDY EMMER

MAIN STAGE

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

LINDSAY ELL

FRI | DAY 3

September 1, 2023

PLAZA STAGE

11:00 AM-1:30 PM

JASON KING BAND

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

VALENTINE RODEO

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

AUDIOBOXX

MAINSTAGE

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

COLLIN RAYE

SAT | DAY 4

September 2, 2023

PLAZA STAGE

11:00 AM-1:30 PM

WHITE WATER RETOOLED

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

DJ JEREMY MCGUIGAN

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

JELLY BREAD

MAIN STAGE

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

WARRANT with PARALANDRA

SUN | DAY 5

September 3, 2023

PLAZA STAGE

11:00 AM-1:30 PM

DJ M SLACK

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

JAKE'S GARAGE BAND

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

SIERRA ROC

MAIN STAGE

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

MON | DAY 6

September 4, 2023

PLAZA STAGE

11:00 PM-2:00 PM

DELTA CAT

2:00 PM

RIB COOK OFF AWARDS

MAIN STAGE

2:00 PM

THE LEGENDARY WAILERS

Kid Activities

Children will delight in an array of activities.

Crafters’ Crossing

Enjoy shopping at the Crafters’ Crossing at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off. Vendors from all over the Western Region bring a variety of goods to sell at the event. 

Dates

Wednesday, August 30 – Monday September 4, 2023

Times

10:30am – 9pm Wednesday to Sunday

10:30am – 5pm Monday

Event Location

VICTORIAN SQUARE

1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada 89431

VIP Rib Village Tickets On Sale Now!

Buy VIP Tickets

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