The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026

SPACE is a nonprofit organization that supports contemporary arts projects, champions artists, and encourages an open exchange of ideas. Proudly staying curious in Portland, Maine.

SPACE

The return of SPACE's out-of-this-world, heavily costumed, very silly yet quite legit spelling bee!

Join us for The Pretty Great Spelling Bee! SPACE's preposterously grandiose and totally legit battle of words and wits!An annual packed-house affair, the Pretty Great Spelling Bee represents our homegrown community celebration! Watch as your friends, colleagues, and community members — or maybe their alter egos — square off in tense lexical competition! Only one solitary competitor will emerge victorious, bestowed with the exalted appellation of 2026 Spelling Bee Champion!As always, we'll have a panel of judges composed of loquacious and thoroughly goofy local celebs (judges TBA)!The defending Spelling Bee Champion is Word Ferguson (aka Liz Hardy).DO YOU WANT TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR'S BEE?Ahem, do you possess the requisite fortitude to venture forth into this formidable word fracas? (Participation is free.)If yes, follow these directions below:<ol><li>Send us a piece of electronic mail (at nick@space538.org) so we can put your name on the list of spellers. Please indicate your full real name, the pseudonym or character you will compete under (should you choose one), your pronouns, and your telephone number. (Spellers can only register in advance, not day of!)</li><li>Partake in rigorous, assiduous practice!</li><li>Choose the right apparel for the event! We encourage costumes! Many past participants have arrived in full character. (For some, it helps.) Regardless, breathable cotton is highly recommended, given the arduous circumstances. No bumblebee costumes allowed!</li><li>Stay hydrated and await instructions as the day approaches.</li></ol>Note: Purchasing an event ticket does not equate to signing up as a contestant in the competition. All spellers must email SPACE to reserve a spot. Be expeditious! Available spaces are limited!

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The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026

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The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026

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