The Best in The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is one of Sparks, Nevada’s premier events.  This year the event takes place from August 30 – September 4th.  Here is a link to the event’s website where you can get in-depth information.

As a 22 year resident of Sparks we have been going to this 29 year event annually. We look forward to it with our mouth’s watering.  Here are a few tips from a local’s perspective:

  1. Go Early – the event starts on a Wednesday so we like to go on Wednesday or Thursday when crowds are a bit lighter.  We also recommend going early in the day.
  2. Bring You Wet Wipes – it’s messy so be sure to bring along your wet wipes.
  3.  Go As A Group – we like to try as many different ribs as possible so we go as a group and split samplers so that we can try a bigger variety.
  4. Don’t Miss The Fried Pickles – a personal favorite of mine.  There are other yummy eats in addition to the ribs – fried onion rings and zucchini, roasted corn, caramel apples, kettle corn and much more.
  5. All You Can Eat – one of the ways to really maximize the amount you can eat is to get a table in the “Rib Village“.  This is private area with tables of 10 where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Event Details:

  • Wednesday, 8/30 to Monday 9/4
  • 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wed – Sun and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mon
  • Victorian Square in Sparks, NV
  • 22 Rib Cookers 
  • Kid’s Area, Crafter’s Crossing, & Beer Garden
  • Concerts 7 p.m. every night and 3 p.m. on Monday
  • Prize Money is $19,000.  Winners announced Monday at 2 p.m.

Amy Shocket has been a Sparks resident for over 20 years and is a top-producing REALTOR® working out of the Dickson Realty Sparks office.