Here is a full, polished, publication‑ready article for ARRL Field Day 2026, written in the same professional, mission‑focused tone you’ve been using across WHCA–ARC content. It’s clean, original, and safe to publish directly into your WordPress editor.
ARRL Field Day 2026 – “Radio Connects”
ARRL Field Day returns on June 27–28, 2026, bringing together tens of thousands of amateur radio operators across the United States and Canada for the largest on‑air operating event of the year. The 2026 theme, “Radio Connects,” celebrates the unique ability of amateur radio to bridge distances, strengthen communities, and provide resilient communication when it matters most.
Part emergency exercise, part public demonstration, part friendly operating challenge, Field Day remains the premier opportunity for clubs, schools, and individual operators to showcase the power and versatility of amateur radio.
A Weekend of Skills, Service, and Community
Every Field Day site tells a story. Operators deploy antennas, set up temporary stations, test emergency power, and work the airwaves under real‑world conditions. Whether operating from a public park, a club field site, or a backyard, hams across North America unite with a shared purpose: to practice, to learn, and to connect.
For many groups, Field Day is the highlight of the year—a chance to demonstrate amateur radio to the public, welcome new operators, and strengthen teamwork within the club. Visitors often get hands‑on experience, learning how radio communication works and why it remains essential in today’s world.
Emergency Readiness: “When All Else Fails®”
One of the core missions of Field Day is to reinforce emergency communications skills. Operators practice setting up stations quickly, passing traffic efficiently, and maintaining reliable communication without relying on commercial infrastructure.
Amateur radio has a long history of stepping in during natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and major public events. Field Day keeps those skills sharp, ensuring that hams remain ready to assist their communities whenever called upon.
STEM Inspiration and Youth Engagement
Field Day is also a powerful educational platform. Students and young operators gain hands‑on experience with antennas, propagation, digital modes, and radio science. Many clubs use the weekend to introduce newcomers to the hobby, helping build the next generation of engineers, technologists, and innovators.
Friendly Competition and Operating Fun
While Field Day is not a traditional contest, many operators enjoy the challenge of making as many contacts as possible under less‑than‑ideal conditions. Stations earn points for operating on emergency power, copying the Field Day bulletin, making contacts on different bands and modes, and engaging the public.
These same operating skills are used throughout the year during marathons, charity events, parades, and other public‑service activities where amateur radio provides essential communication support.
What Is ARRL?
The ARRL, with more than 137,000 members, is the national association for amateur radio in the United States. Its mission is to promote and protect the art and science of amateur radio, support technical innovation, and help develop the next generation of operators. ARRL and its affiliated clubs provide training, resources, and community service opportunities for hams at every level.
What Is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio—often called ham radio—is a global community of licensed operators who communicate using voice, data, images, satellites, digital modes, and more. It is one of the last places in the radio spectrum where individuals can build equipment, experiment freely, and innovate.
Hams form friendships across borders, explore new technologies, and contribute to public service. Many well‑known public figures, scientists, musicians, and everyday neighbors are licensed operators. Field Day is one of the best ways to experience the hobby firsthand.
Join the Adventure in 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned operator, a new licensee, or simply curious about amateur radio, Field Day 2026 is your invitation to get on the air, learn something new, and experience how Radio Connects us all.
