Nugget Rib Cook-Off or Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is America’s biggest, free-entry barbecue festival that takes place in late August in Sparks, Nevada. Two dozen of the world’s top barbecue competitors serve up more than 200 tons of ribs for hundreds of thousands of event-goers on Victorian Square for over six days. With music entertainment each day, a kids' area and craft booths, the Rib Cook-Off has become the country's ultimate end-of-summer family event.