Every word carries meaning. This year, that meaning extends beyond the stage.

For the first time since 1957, Bee Week unfolds across two venues, with the National Competition held at DAR Constitution Hall, a National Historic Landmark and the largest concert hall in Washington, D.C. Competition begins with the Preliminaries on Tuesday, May 26, and concludes with the Finals on Thursday, May 28.

More than a televised event, Bee Week is a full experience. Spellers and their families take part in workshops, events, and excursions throughout Washington, D.C.

This year, 247 spellers earned their place through regional competitions, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, Department of Defense Schools in Europe, and five countries: the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates.

Across four rounds—Preliminaries, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals—one speller will take home the Scripps Cup.

Alongside the competition, Signing the Promise, presented by 51 Steps to Freedom, invites attendees into a first-of-its-kind immersive experience where history comes to life through augmented reality. Participants don’t just witness the stories that shaped America—they become part of them by digitally signing a modern Declaration of Independence.

More than an activation, it’s a national invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the ideals that unite us—one word at a time.