ARRL Field Day 2026
24 hours of portable operating, camaraderie, and radio fun. All are welcome.
Event Details
- When: Sat, Jun 27, 2026 2:00 PM–Sun, Jun 28, 2026 2:00 PM
- Location: To Be Determined — watch this page for updates
What is Field Day?
ARRL Field Day is the largest amateur radio event in North America. Each year on the last full weekend of June, thousands of ham radio clubs set up portable stations in parks, fields, and community spaces — practicing emergency communications skills while competing to make as many contacts as possible.
For KARC, it’s one of the highlights of the year: we set up outdoors, run on portable power, cook out, and operate together as a team.
When
Field Day runs for 24 hours, from 2:00 PM Saturday, June 27 through 2:00 PM Sunday, June 28 (1800Z–1800Z).
You don’t need to be there the whole time — stop by for an hour or stay the weekend.
Where
Location to be determined. Check back here or watch the club’s Facebook page and the Sunday net for announcements.
What We Do
- Set up multiple HF and VHF stations running on battery or generator power
- Operate phone, CW, and digital modes to log as many contacts as possible
- Earn bonus points for public outreach, satellite contacts, natural power, and more
- Eat good food and enjoy the outdoors together
How to Participate
No special prep needed — there are roles for every skill level:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Operator | Get on the air and make contacts |
| Logger | Help the operator by entering calls into the logging software |
| Antenna crew | Help raise and aim antennas before the event |
| Visitor / observer | Come see how it all works — no license required |
If you’d like to help with planning or setup, bring it up at a club meeting beforehand.
What to Bring
- Your HT or handheld if you want to work VHF/UHF
- Snacks or a dish to share
- Your favorite CW key if doing CW
The club will have equipment on hand. You do not need to bring your own radio.
Scoring and Bonus Points
Field Day uses a points-based system — different bands and modes earn different point values. Bonus points can be earned for:
- Operating on emergency/natural power (no commercial mains)
- Setting up a public information table
- Working satellites or digital modes
- Submitting the entry via the ARRL website
- Media coverage and social media posts
KARC typically enters as a Class A operation (club or group, portable).
More Information
- 📋 ARRL Field Day rules: arrl.org/field-day
- 📅 Questions? Bring them to a club meeting or reach out via the contact page.