Amateur radio enthusiasts across the country will be hitting the airwaves June 28th & 29th for the ARRL Field Day, one of the largest annual events for ham radio operators in North America.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 28th, and continuing until sunset Saturday or noon Sunday, depending on location, hams will set up temporary radio stations in parks, community centers, backyards, and other public spaces to demonstrate their capabilities and provide a visible presence in their communities.
Organized annually since 1933 by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) — the national association for amateur radio in the U.S. — Field Day emphasizes the vital role ham radio can play during emergencies. Operators demonstrate how amateur radio can function independently of commercial infrastructure, using generators, solar power, and batteries to power their equipment.
With a particularly active hurricane season predicted for 2025, this year’s Field Day also underscores the importance of ham radio’s role during natural disasters. When cell towers and internet lines go down, amateur radio often steps in to provide essential communication.
Participants will connect with fellow hams across the nation, showcasing how quickly they can set up antennas, transmitters, and power sources in virtually any setting. Some operators will also participate from home or portable setups with their families, promoting the intergenerational and accessible nature of the hobby.
During last year’s Field Day in 2024, over 31,000 ham operators took part from thousands of locations across North America. The U.S. is home to just under 800,000 licensed operators, while worldwide numbers reach around 3 million.
Amateur radio operators, also known as “hams,” span all ages — from children as young as five to seniors over 100. The ARRL offers a self-study guide, the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, for those interested in becoming licensed.
To find a local Field Day station, visit www.arrl.org and use the “Field Day Locator” tool found in the top-right search bar. The interactive map will display participating locations, contact info, and directions.
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