Manheim, Pennsylvania — The 2026 ARRL (Amateur Radio) Field Day runs from June 27–28. This year’s theme is “Amateur Radio: A National Resource,” highlighting ham radio’s role in emergency communications and community resilience. The nationwide event doubles as an open house for the public and is an official event partnering with the America250 commemoration.
Local amateur radio clubs across North America will set up temporary transmitting stations in public spaces to demonstrate their emergency preparedness capabilities.
The Southern Pennsylvania Amateur Radio Club will host Field Day 2026 at 1715 Breneman Road, Manheim, Pa. Ham radio operators will gather to set up temporary antennas, test emergency power sources (generators and solar), and make as many radio contacts as possible.
The event is open to the public. Visitors and aspiring operators are encouraged to attend, learn about ham radio, and participate via the GOTA (Get On The Air) station. SPARC operates repeaters at VHF (145.230 MHz, PL 118.8) and UHF (449.975 MHz, PL 114.8).
Core Details & Highlights
- Dates & Times: The 27-hour emergency communications exercise begins at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, and concludes at 2:59 PM on Sunday, June 28.
- Public Outreach: Field Day serves as amateur radio’s open house. It offers an opportunity for the public to visit stations, learn about the technology, and try operating a radio.
- America250 Celebration: ARRL is an official partner of the nationwide America250 observance (commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States). Clubs and participants are encouraged to incorporate historical and patriotic themes into their local public relations and media outreach.
- Rules & Bands: Permitted operations span the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meter HF bands, plus all bands 50 MHz and above (with specific exceptions for the 60-, 30-, 17-, and 12-meter bands).
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