Area Ham-Fests

Area Ham-Fests & Conventions

Ham-fests are gatherings where amateur radio operators buy, sell, and trade equipment, attend seminars, and connect with fellow hams. Below is a listing of upcoming ham-fests in our area.

2026 Ham-Fest Calendar

Winter Valley Ham-Fest

Date: February 15, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Valley Fairgrounds, 456 Fair Way Admission: $5 (Free for kids under 12) Features:

  • Indoor flea market with 100+ tables
  • VE testing (Walk-ins welcome)
  • Door prizes
  • Food vendors Contact: winterfest@example.com

Spring Technical Conference

Date: April 5-6, 2026 Time: Friday 2:00 PM - Sunday 12:00 PM Location: Downtown Convention Center Admission: $15 advance, $20 at door Features:

  • Technical seminars and workshops
  • Manufacturer exhibits
  • Contest station demonstrations
  • Banquet dinner Saturday evening
  • VE testing both days Contact: springtech@example.com Website: www.springtechconf.example

Memorial Day Hamfest

Date: May 25, 2026 Time: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: County Fairgrounds, Building B Admission: $3 (Advance), $5 (At door) Features:

  • Large outdoor tailgate area
  • Commercial vendors
  • VE testing at 10:00 AM
  • Free coffee and donuts
  • Grand prize drawing Contact: memorialham@example.com

Summer QRP Gathering

Date: July 12, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Riverside Park Pavilion Admission: Free Features:

  • Focus on low-power and portable operations
  • Build-a-thon (Bring your projects!)
  • Field demonstrations
  • Kit building workshops
  • Outdoor operating Contact: qrpgather@example.com

State Convention

Date: September 18-20, 2026 Time: All weekend Location: Grand Hotel & Conference Center Admission: $40 (Full weekend), $15 (Daily) Features:

  • State's largest ham-fest
  • Forums and technical sessions
  • Manufacturers row
  • Contest awards banquet
  • License exam sessions
  • Swap meet
  • Special event station Contact: stateconv@example.com Website: www.statehamconvention.example Hotel: Special rate $89/night (Code: HAM2026)

Fall Swap Meet

Date: October 10, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Community College Parking Lot Admission: $2 Features:

  • Tailgate-style swap meet
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Parking lot full of deals
  • Food truck on-site Contact: fallswap@example.com

Holiday Ham-Fest

Date: December 6, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Civic Center Admission: $5 (Includes raffle ticket) Features:

  • Indoor heated venue
  • Holiday gift ideas
  • VE testing
  • Kids activities
  • Santa photos
  • Food court Contact: holidayham@example.com

Planning to Attend?

Tips for Ham-Fest Success:

  • Arrive early for best selection
  • Bring cash (many sellers don't take cards)
  • Bring a bag or cart for purchases
  • Test equipment if possible before buying
  • Network and make new friends
  • Attend seminars to learn something new
  • Don't forget your business cards or QSL cards

Table Rental Information

Most ham-fests offer table rentals for sellers. Contact the individual event organizers for pricing and availability.

Out-of-Area Events

For ham-fests beyond our immediate area, check:

  • ARRL Ham-fest Database: www.arrl.org/hamfests
  • QRZ Events Calendar: www.qrz.com/hamfests

Submit an Event

Know of a ham-fest we should list? Contact our webmaster at webmaster@example.com

Club Officers

Planning to attend an event with our club or have questions? Contact:

Robert Anderson, N3ABC - President Maria Garcia, KD4XYZ - Vice President

See you at the next ham-fest!