I’m happy to live in a city that takes pride in its Freaks and Geeks trivia nights and zombie walks. Continuing the tradition of unabashed nerdery is Richard Hugo House, which will host the first annual Local Celebrity Spelling Bee on September 15. Expect some serious contenders—this is a writing center—including author and forager Langdon Cook; Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade; author Stacey Levine; poet and Hugo House founder Frances McCue; John Roderick of the Long Winters; DJ Riz Rollins from KEXP; Maria Semple, author and Arrested Development writer; and David Schmader of The Stranger. Author Ryan Boudinot and Stranger books editor Paul Constant will judge.

But this isn’t your typical “can you use it in a sentence?” spelling bee. Contestants advance if they get a word right, but if they don’t, the audience can buy them a chance to cheat. (All proceeds support nonprofit Hugo House.)

Winner advances to a national head-to-head against Rebecca Sealfon.

Kidding. General admission tickets (“dictionary.com level”) are $25; VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved table seating and entry to the pre-party with free food and beer. Visit bit.ly/seattlebee or call 206-322-7030 for more info.

Local Celebrity Spelling Bee is Sept 15 at 7:30pm at Richard Hugo House.