There is a great rib cook-off every Labor Day weekend in Sparks, Nevada. It started on Wednesday this year and went through Monday (Labor Day). We went up on Thursday and stayed the night and came home Friday night. It was good going on Thursday as it wasn't crowded, most of the people there were locals and almost no kids. It's in Victorian Square right outside John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino and they are the sponsor. There were 24 cookers there this year. My favorite was the Checkered Pig. 
Of course I couldn't possibly try all 24 in two days but did manage to try about 6 different ones. Drank a margarita, listened to Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles). He was pretty good for an "old guy". 
It rained on us twice but we were able to get under a big tent and eat our ribs without getting soaked. At least the rain only lasted a short time both days. Did some gambling, didn't win of course. Went into Reno and saw the Atlantis Casino which is nice and gambled there for several hours and had fun as we had a fun group at our roulette wheel and good dealers with some personality. Drank many gin and tonics, yum. http://www.nuggetribcookoff.com/
Of course I couldn't possibly try all 24 in two days but did manage to try about 6 different ones. Drank a margarita, listened to Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles). He was pretty good for an "old guy". 
It rained on us twice but we were able to get under a big tent and eat our ribs without getting soaked. At least the rain only lasted a short time both days. Did some gambling, didn't win of course. Went into Reno and saw the Atlantis Casino which is nice and gambled there for several hours and had fun as we had a fun group at our roulette wheel and good dealers with some personality. Drank many gin and tonics, yum. http://www.nuggetribcookoff.com/