Annual Event · Since 1933
ARRL Field Day
The largest annual event in amateur radio — a 24-hour nationwide communications exercise where tens of thousands of operators set up off-grid stations and prove the resilience of ham radio.
What is ARRL Field Day?
Field Day is an exciting blend of emergency readiness drill, radio contest, and community outreach showcase. For one weekend each June, amateur radio operators across North America power up portable stations, deploy antennas in parks and parking lots, and make contacts using nothing but generators, batteries, and solar panels.
A Proud History
90+ years of amateur radio excellence
Field Day began in 1933, created by the ARRL to prove amateur radio operators could deploy quickly and communicate under tough conditions — decades before modern emergency systems existed. When storms, power failures, and national emergencies wiped out communication for days, ham radio stepped into the gap.
1933 · Founding
Encourage hams to set up portable stations, practice operating away from home, and strengthen the community's ability to provide emergency communication when disasters strike.
WWII Era
Amateur radio was restricted during the war, but Field Day resumed stronger than ever afterward.
1960s – 1980s
Field Day expanded dramatically — clubs built more sophisticated portable stations, experimented with antennas, digital modes, and emergency power.
1990s – 2000s
The event grew into an international showcase of emergency preparedness, especially after Andrew, Katrina, and Sandy demonstrated the critical need for resilient communication.
Today
Over 35,000+ participants and thousands of clubs take part every year, making Field Day the largest single emergency communications exercise in the world.
Why we participate
Three reasons Field Day is at the heart of what we do.
Emergency Comms Readiness
The heart of Field Day. We train for rapid deployment, off-grid operation, NIMS principles, and coordinating as a cohesive communications team.
Community & Education
"Get On The Air" experiences, equipment tours, demonstrations, and intro classes for kids and adults. Visitors leave amazed at what radio can do without the internet.
Fellowship & Fun
Food on the grill, friendly competition, late-night QSOs, antenna experiments, and memories with friends. One of the best weekends of the year.
What we do on Field Day
Deploy antennas & stations
We build a multi-band, multi-mode setup designed for maximum capability — from HF voice and CW to digital and VHF/UHF.
Run completely off-grid
Generators, solar arrays, and battery banks power our stations, simulating real emergency conditions.
Make contacts across North America
For 24 straight hours we stay on the air, contacting as many stations as possible. Every QSO demonstrates operational readiness.
Engage with visitors
Community members get to learn, ask questions, and make their first radio contacts.
Train for real emergencies
Field Day is the closest you get to a real deployment — except with far better food.
Why you should join us
If you've ever wondered what amateur radio is all about, this is your chance to experience it firsthand. Veteran operators, brand-new hams, the curious, students, tech enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun educational outdoor event — you'll all find something unforgettable.
This is where skill meets passion, where community meets resilience, and where radio truly shines.
Past Field Days
Recaps and results from previous years.