This weekend kicks off three great weekends of amateur radio contests.
The North American QSO Party, CW, (NAQP) runs from 1800 UTC January 10 – 0559 UTC January 11, 2026, and is a favorite of both newly-licensed amateurs and seasoned operators. The NAQP contests are for low power only, no amplifiers allowed, which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. Multipliers count once per band, which makes for an exciting format, as multipliers may be ‘moved’ from band to band. The NAQPs allow stations from all parts of North America to be in the running for top spots. If you prefer single sideband (SSB), that portion of the contest runs next weekend, from 1800 UTC January 17 – 0559 UTC January 18, 2026. Also next weekend, the North American Collegiate Championship, SSB, runs at the same time, 1800 UTC January 17 – 0559 UTC January 18.
Winter Field Day 2026 (WFD) is up next, scheduled to run from 1600 UTC (11 AM EST) Saturday, January 24 through 2159 UTC (4:59 PM EST) Sunday, January 25. Stations may begin setting up at 1600 UTC on Friday, January 23. However, cumulative set-up time may not exceed 12 hours. You can review the complete rules, including this year’s changes, at Rules – WFDA.
Also, remember to mark your calendar for 2026 ARRL Field Day on June 27 – 28. For additional information, visit www.arrl.org/field-day