Rib Cook Off
Best In The West

Rib Cook Off

Rib Cook Off
Best In The West

Rib Cook Off

Rib Cook Off
Best in the West

Rib Cook Off

Rib Cook Off
Best In The West

Rib Cook Off

Rib Cook Off
Best In The West

Rib Cook Off

Who's Ready?

2026 Rib Cook Off

Countdown Timer

Rib Village Presented by Country Financial

Online Presale

Public On Sale

Now - Thursday, April 23, 10PM

Friday, April 24, 10AM

Find Tickets

Dates & Opening Hours
Dates & Opening Hours

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - Monday, September 7, 2026

Wednesday - Sunday  

  10:30am - 9:00 pm 

Monday

  10:30am - 5:00 pm

Victorian Square, Sparks, Nevada on Victorian Avenue between 14th Street and Pyramid Way 
1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada 89431,
USA

Best in the West

2026 Concert Line Up

Hinder

Main Stage
Wednesday, September 2
7PM - 9PM

Available Soon

Hinder

Southern California's Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles"

Main Stage
Thursday, September 3
7PM - 9PM

Available Soon

Hotel California

The Wailers

Main Stage
Friday, September 4
7PM - 9PM

Available Soon

The Wailers

Taylor Dayne

Main Stage
Saturday, September 5
7PM - 9PM

Available Soon

Taylor Dayne

Revisiting Creedence

Main Stage
Sunday, September 6
7PM - 9PM

Available Soon

Revisiting Creedence

Drew Baldridge

Main Stage
Monday, September 7
2:30PM - 4:30PM

Available Soon

Drew Baldridge

2025 Cook Off Winners

2025 1st Place: Git-R-Smoked

The world’s top rib cookers compete for top honors each year at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off.

Check all Rib Cookers

2025 1st Place: Git-R-Smoked

2025 2nd Place: Battle Born Smokers

The competition is widely regarded as the most prestigious rib cook-off in the country.

Check all Rib Cookers

2025 2nd Place: Battle Born Smokers

2025 3rd Place: Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ

The rib cookers aren’t just competing for bragging rights – $19,000 in Cash Is Up For Grabs For Those Who Impress The

Check all Rib Cookers

2025 3rd Place: Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ

2025 4th Place: Aussom Aussie BBQ

Winners are announced on Monday, September 2 at 2pm Plaza Stage

Check all Rib Cookers

2025 4th Place: Aussom Aussie BBQ

A Special Thanks

To Our Sponsors

What People Say

Testimonials

Connie C. from Sacramento, CA

“RIBS.  Wish it was all day, everyday!” 

 

Amanda M. from Reno, NV

“There’s a reason everyone loves this event and looks forward to it every year: mounds of delicious ribs.  You can get nearly every version of this mouthwatering treat each summer at the rib cook-off held in downtown Sparks.” 

Janelle S. from Gilroy, CA

“I’ve been a fan of this rib cook-off for years and is one of my favorite festivals for the long Labor Day weekend.”

Jessica G. from Reno, NV

“This was a great experience that I’ll never forget!” 

Jason G. from Ventura, CA

“This event is preceding and culminating over Labor weekend and is one of the best barbecue gatherings on the West Coast.  There are around thirty different competitors and barbecue restaurants, which means a great opportunity to sample or eat at so many different restaurants all in one place.”