H&H Books to Host Spelladelphia, an Adults-Only Spelling Bee Fundraiser Where Fans Can Cheer and Heckle


Published on October 23, 2026


H&H Books to Host Spelladelphia, an Adults-Only Spelling Bee Fundraiser Where Fans Can Cheer and Heckle

H&H Books, the bookstore arm of Philadelphia nonprofit literary organization The Head & The Hand, will host Spelladelphia, an adults-only spelling bee fundraiser, from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Star|Bolt.

The event pits teams of up to three spellers against one another across three rounds that increase in difficulty. Organizers say the first round will focus on hard-to-spell Philadelphia and Pennsylvania place names, the second on local restaurants representing a range of cultures, and the third on literary terms. Teams that misspell a word are eliminated, and the final remaining teams advance to a sudden-death round. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

The winning team will receive $500 to donate to an organization of its choice. Prizes will also be awarded for each round, along with superlative awards for Best Literary Cosplay, Best Philly Pride Swag, and Most Ridiculous Team Name.

Only 10 team spots are available. Team registration covers entry for all three members, participation in all three rounds, and eligibility for round and superlative prizes. Spectator tickets are also available for attendees who want to watch without competing.

The evening will include a cash bar and free appetizers. Star|Bolt is located at 1936 N. Front St. in Kensington, beneath the Market-Frankford Line. thevendry

Proceeds from tickets, donations, and sponsorships will support H&H’s community hub. According to organizers, the funds will go toward renovating the bookstore’s lower level into a community gathering space, funding social justice-focused programming developed with neighborhood partners, and compensating the staff who run the organization.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals looking to support free literary programming and independent bookstore culture in Philadelphia.

Tickets and team registration are available through Eventbrite.