How to Participate

Join a Local Club

Most clubs organize Field Day events. They welcome all experience levels, from newly licensed operators to seasoned veterans. Check the ARRL’s Field Day Locator Tool (on their website) to find a nearby event.

Our local St. George, Utah, Club, the Dixie Amateur Radio Club, invites everyone to see our setup. Link to club WebSite.

Amateur Radio Field Day: History and How to Participate

Introduction

Every year, thousands of amateur radio operators across North America take part in Field Day, one of the most anticipated events on the ham radio calendar. Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Field Day is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of emergency preparedness, public outreach, and the enduring spirit of amateur radio.

A Brief History of Field Day

Field Day began in 1933, when the ARRL conceived it as a way to test operators’ abilities to set up portable stations under emergency conditions. The idea was simple: go out into the field, set up your gear, and start making contacts—all without the luxuries of permanent infrastructure.

Over time, Field Day grew into a tradition that now sees participation from tens of thousands of hams across the United States, Canada, and beyond. While the core mission of emergency preparedness remains, Field Day has evolved to include:

Contest-style operation
Club and community engagement
Technical experimentation
Demonstrations to the public and media

When and Where Is Field Day Held?

Field Day takes place annually on the fourth full weekend in June, starting at 1800 UTC on Saturday and running for 24 hours (some groups operate for 27 hours with specific setup allowances).

2025 Dates:

📅 June 28–29, 2025

Field Day isn’t tied to any single location. Instead, it happens everywhere—in parks, emergency operations centers, club shacks, backyards, mountain tops, and more. Anywhere with open space and radio waves is fair game.

Objectives of Field Day

Practice emergency communication – Demonstrate operating without commercial power or infrastructure.
Engage the community – Invite the public, demonstrate ham radio, and promote licensing.
Test equipment and antennas – Experiment with portable setups and power sources.
Foster teamwork – Great for ham clubs and groups to collaborate on a big project.
Have fun! – Make as many contacts as possible, socialize, learn, and enjoy the radio hobby. And hang out with friends.