One of the region’s most celebrated events is here as the best rib cookers from across the country (and beyond) come together to compete for the best ribs in the west crown. Hosted by the Nugget Casino Resort, the Best In The West Rib Cook Off features six days of events with live music and pork tasting with 20-plus rib cookers taking over Victorian Square between August 30-September 4.
Free live music all week long
Kayla Anderson – The Best In the West Rib Cook Off features six days of events with live music with 20-plus rib cookers.
The festivities kick off this Wednesday, August 30, with live music happening on the Plaza Stage in Downtown Sparks starting at 2 p.m.. Mighty Mike Schermer will play on the Plaza Stage from 6-9 p.m. as Lit with Chad Tepper plays on the Main Stage from 6-9 p.m. as well. On Thursday, DJ Kentot will be spinning tunes in the afternoon and Buddy Emmer will be playing in the evening on the Plaza Stage while Lindsay Ell will be on the Main Stage.
Austin Mo, Valentine Rodeo, Audioboxx, and Collin Raye are playing on Friday, September 1, and White Water Retooled, DJ Jeremy McGuigan, Jelly Bread, and Warrant with Paralandra are playing this Saturday. On Sunday, DJ M Slack, Jake’s Garage Band, Sierra Roc, and The Gatlin Brothers will be performing.
Monday will be the last day of the Rib Cook Off, and festivities will begin with Delta Cat playing on the Plaza Stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by the Rib Cook Off Awards. The Legendary Wailers will be playing on the Main Stage starting at 2 p.m.
But it’s all about the food
While the entertainment is free, attendees have the option to buy tickets for an AYCE rib buffet which includes samples from all rib cookers or AYCE side dishes that includes unlimited beverages (out of a choice of wine, beer, water, and soft drinks) and ice cream. A meal ticket lunch special includes a sandwich or sampler plate, unlimited drinks, and ice cream for $49 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner tickets cost $120-$130 between the hours of 4-9 p.m. Attendees can purchase tickets at the ribcookoff.com website and pick them up at Will Call.
Participating rib cookers this year come as far away as Arkansas (Porky Chicks BBQ) and Kentucky (Texas Outlaw Barbecue) to right here in Sparks (BJ’s Barbecue and Git-R-Smoked). Other Nevada favorites attending the 2023 Best In The West Rib Cook Off include Men Wielding Fire (Reno) and Big Daddy’s Sin City Barbecue (Las Vegas).
Free transportation all week long
The RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) will also be providing a free bus service throughout the duration of the Rib Cook Off on its RAPID Lincoln Line and Route 11 all day, every day. In a partnership with the Nugget, the RTC will also be offering free ACCESS rides to and from the event. These routes pick up and drop off at the RTC 4th Street Station and RTC Centennial Plaza in Downtown Sparks.
“This is a great opportunity to try transit with your family and friends to one of the region’s favorite events. With limited parking, everyone can ride these routes free to enjoy award-winning ribs and avoid parking hassles,” said RTC Executive Director Bill Thomas.
Generally, Rib Cook Off chefs serve more than 250,000 pounds of ribs for thousands of hungry attendees over the course of the six days. For more information about this weekend’s Rib Cook Off, visit https://nuggetribcookoff.com/.
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