For those who’ve just been bitten by the ham radio bug, there’s one event you simply must pencil into your calendar – the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day. This unique event, held annually on the fourth full weekend in June, offers an unparalleled opportunity for new ham radio operators to immerse themselves in the dynamic and vibrant world of amateur radio.

Field Day is a nationwide event that draws tens of thousands of participants across the United States and Canada. Its primary goal is to demonstrate the practicality and reliability of amateur radio operations in the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies where traditional communication infrastructures are compromised. Despite this serious underpinning, Field Day is anything but a stale event. In fact, it’s often likened to a giant outdoor party, where the spirit of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for ham radio reigns.

So, why should a new ham radio operator attend ARRL Field Day? There are a myriad of reasons!

Learning Opportunities: As a new operator, Field Day provides an abundance of learning opportunities. Experienced Hams will be on hand to share their knowledge and passion, guiding you through the ropes of setting up a station, making contacts, and even logging. It’s a practical and hands-on way to bolster your skills and knowledge, in an environment that encourages questions and fosters learning.
Networking: Like any hobby or profession, networking is an invaluable aspect of ham radio. Field Day is the perfect place to meet a diverse group of people who share your passion. From seasoned operators with decades of experience to fellow newcomers navigating the same learning curve, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share insights, advice, and friendship.
Emergency Preparedness: Ham radio is a vital tool in times of crisis. Field Day is not just a social event, but also a practical demonstration of how amateur radio can provide emergency communication. Participating will give you firsthand experience of what it’s like to set up and operate a station under less-than-ideal conditions, an invaluable experience should you ever find yourself in a real emergency situation.
Fun: Above all, Field Day is fun! Whether you’re participating in the friendly competition to make the most contacts, experimenting with new modes of communication, cooking out, or just chatting with new friends under the stars, you’re sure to have a great time.
Motivation and Inspiration: Witnessing the passion and commitment of experienced hams can be incredibly motivating. You’ll leave Field Day inspired and excited, ready to dive deeper into your new hobby.

So whether you’ve just passed your technician exam, or you’re still contemplating whether ham radio is for you, make it a point to attend Field Day last this month. It’s a day of learning, networking, and, most importantly, fun. Mark your calendar now, and prepare for an experience that just might be the highlight of your ham radio journey!

Where To Find ARRL Field Day Sites In Minnesota

The ARRL offers a Field Day site locator tool where you can find all the active Field Day locations around the state. We recommend using that to get the latest information on where you can participate in Field Day!