Dates & Locations
The format for the reading bowls will be either in-person or virtual. Each local and regional committee will choose whether to compete in-person or virtual.
Helen Ruffin Picturebook Reading Bowl (Grades K-3) - All Regions
Registration — Open from August 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026
Local Helen Ruffin Picturebook Reading Bowl — Either October 17, 2026, or October 24, 2026. Contact your local coordinator for date, time, location, and format.
Regional and State Helen Ruffin Picturebook Reading Bowl (All Regions) — Date being confirmed (in-person). Location being confirmed.
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Registration — Open from October 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026
Local Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl — Either January 23, 2027, or January 30, 2027. Contact your local coordinator for date, time, location, and format.
Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl
East Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
North Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
Metro Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
Middle Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
South Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
West Region HRRB — Either February 20, 2027, or February 27, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.
State Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl — March 20, 2027 (in-person). Location being confirmed.