Grilling season is just getting started in Reno, and the Nugget Casino Resort is putting on this year’s Best in the West Rib Cook Off, located in walking distance from the Nugget Casino at Sparks’ downtown city center, Victorian Square.
This event is open to the public (not ticketed) and runs from August 27 to September 1, starting every day at 10:30 a.m. and going until 9 p.m. on all days except Monday, September 1, when ending time is 5 p.m.
Photo: Victorian Square during the Rib Cook Off (Source: Facebook)
VIP passes are available for those who want entry to the Rib Village, a tented area with reserved tables, where you get either a lunch or dinner per ticketholder and choice views of the stage.
Every day will feature a different performance on the main stage, with the Ying Yang Twins, Tim Montana, Sister Hazel, Revisiting Creedence, Colin Raye and Red Hot Tribute being the top acts. Additional stages throughout the area will have other bands playing their tunes.
Photo: Rib Cook Off VIP Area (Source: Facebook)
But the real show at the Rib Cook Off is in the title. This is a competition between two dozen BBQ teams who are in town from all around the country, spread across six city blocks, each of them showing off their seasoning, grilling and barbequing talents. At the end of the event, a panel of judges will taste their unique rib creations and award the winners with a $19,500 cash prize.
But whether you’re a rib lover or not, being at Victorian Square during the event is a great opportunity to people-watch, dance to live music, taste delicious food and drink, and enjoy the last August afternoons and evenings out in public. Many Renoites look forward to the cook off every year and consider it their favorite Reno event, so don’t miss out!
Photo: Ribs being slow cooked at the cook-off (Source: Facebook)
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
