ARRL Field Day 2026: June 27–28

ARRL Field Day 2026 runs the fourth full weekend of June: June 27–28, beginning at 1800 UTC on Saturday and ending at 2059 UTC on Sunday. It’s the largest single amateur radio operating event in North America, with thousands of groups setting up portable stations in parks, fields, parking lots, and backyards across the continent.

What Is Field Day?

Field Day is part operating event, part emergency communications exercise, and part public outreach. The format encourages clubs and individuals to set up stations independently of commercial power, demonstrating that amateur radio operators can communicate under emergency conditions without relying on infrastructure.

The exchange is simple—a signal report, your operating class, and your ARRL section—but the contest scoring system rewards everything from working stations on multiple bands to setting up bonus transmitters, demonstrating emergency power, and involving the public. The goal isn’t necessarily to run up the highest score; it’s to exercise the skills and create the conditions that make amateur radio useful when things go wrong.

MicroHAMS and BEARONS

MicroHAMS has participated in Field Day operations in 2024 and 2025, partnering with BEARONS (Boeing Employee Amateur Radio Society) for multi-station, multi-band, multi-operator events. Operating locations have prioritized low RF noise floors and good access for members from across the Seattle area.

Planning for 2026 is in the early stages. Watch the mailing list for details on location, setup times, and how to get involved. No prior operating experience is required—Field Day is explicitly designed as a learning environment, and club members who have never operated HF are welcome to participate and try everything.

Participating

If you want to operate: Show up, get on a radio. Club Field Day operations run multiple bands simultaneously, and there’s always room for another operator at a station. If you want dedicated time on CW, FT8, SSB, or a specific band, express interest early so the team can schedule accordingly.

If you want to help set up: Antenna crews typically form Friday evening or early Saturday morning. Helping put up a wire antenna or erect a mast is a great way to contribute even if you’re not an experienced operator.

If you’re not yet licensed: Field Day is one of the best events to attend as an observer or guest. Third-party traffic rules allow unlicensed individuals to speak into the microphone under the direct supervision of a licensed control operator. It’s a chance to try transmitting before you earn your license.

Operating From Home

You don’t have to join a club operation to participate in Field Day. Home stations can operate under the 1D, 1E, or 1F categories using utility power. Scores from home operations count differently than portable club operations, but you’re working the same contest and making contacts with the same stations.

If you’re a newer HF operator who wants practice, Field Day weekend is an excellent time to get on the air. Stations are eager to make contacts, the exchange is short, and operators are generally patient with newer participants.

Logging and Submitting

ARRL-approved logging software includes N1MM+ (Windows, most widely used for contests), N3FJP Field Day Logger (simple and purpose-built for Field Day), and FLDIGI for digital modes. Logs must be submitted to ARRL within a week after the event to receive credit.

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More details on the club’s 2026 operation will be announced through the mailing list as planning develops. Field Day is one of the most social events in the amateur radio calendar—worth participating in however you can.

→ Full rules and registration: arrl.org/field-day