The biggest BBQ competition in the West returns to Victorian Square in Sparks for six days over Labor Day weekend. Professional rib teams from across the country, live music every night, carnival rides, and free admission. This is not a beer festival with some BBQ — this is competition-grade ribs from people who do this for a living.
Rib Village presale available through the Nugget website. Full tables required Fri-Sun.
20-25 professional BBQ teams set up vendor tents along Victorian Avenue. These are competition pitmasters — the ribs are the real deal. Each team has their own style. Buy by the rack or plate and compare.
Country and rock acts perform on the main stage every evening starting Wednesday. Past years have featured national touring acts. The music picks up after sunset.
Carnival rides, craft vendor booths, and family activities. It's a full festival, not just a food event. Good for kids during the day, adults at night.
An all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet tent with table seating. Tickets sold separately. Full tables required on peak days (Fri-Sun), individual seats available early/late in the week.
Go on Wednesday or Thursday for shorter lines and less crowded vendor tents. Saturday is the peak — expect waits at the popular teams.
Bring cash. Some vendors take cards but cash lines move faster. There are ATMs on-site but they charge fees.
The free shuttles from the Livestock Center and Greenbrae Shopping Center are worth using. Parking at Victorian Square gets chaotic on weekends.
Don't fill up at one tent. Buy a half rack from your first choice, then try plates from 2-3 others. The whole point is comparing.
The Nugget Casino Resort is right there if you need AC, a drink, or a bathroom that isn't a porta-potty.
This event closes out summer in Reno. The Great Reno Balloon Race is the following weekend (Sep 10-13) if you're making a trip of it.
Keep exploring what Reno has to offer