News

LATEST SECTION NEWS

7-18-2026
North American QSO Party - RTTY:
The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. The NAQPs are low-power only (no amplifiers allowed) which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. Small stations can generate very effective “runs” in the NAQP contests. Multipliers count once per-band, which makes for an exciting format, as multipliers can be “moved” from band to band. Click Here For More Info.

7-18-2026
POTA Annual Summer Operating Event
This event happens seasonally, on the 3rd full weekend of the month (Saturday & Sunday UTC). These are ‘activity weekends’ where the main purpose is to get out in the parks, and have as much fun as possible. Click Here For Details About POTA Events.

7-25-2026
Alabama QSO Party 2026:
The 2026 Alabama QSO Party (AQP) is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, running from 1500Z to 0300Z (10:00 AM to 10:00 PM CDT). Sponsored by the Alabama Contest Group, the event challenges amateur radio operators worldwide to make contact with Alabama stations. Click Here For Details.

8-1-2026
Roanoke Valley Hamfest:
Ham Radio, Electronics and Computer Parts. Sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club. The Roanoke HamFest is an ARRL-sanctioned event. Click Here For Details.

8-2-2026
SVARC Berryville Hamfest:
Computer/Electronics Show presented by the Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville, VA. MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the 75th Annual Berryville Hamfest. Always the First Sunday in August Click Here For Details.

8-8-2026
Southeastern VA Regional Hamfest:
2026 Southeastern Virginia Regional Ham Radio Fest and Swap Meet. Come find that special item you been looking for! ARRL VEC Licensing Exams, ham radio & tech forums, ham radio related demonstrations, and more. Click Here For Details.

Newsletter

VIRGINIA

July 2026 Issue 
Click Here
The newsletter hightlights changes to Virginia Section ARRL and other topics of interest. Good read. This month's edition includes:
- Thinking About Mentors
- Hamfests, Hamfests, Hamfests!
- NTS Traffic Nets in Virginia
- ARRL VA Emergency Coordinators
- 13 Colonies Special Event 1-8 July
If you have news to highlight, please share it with Mike WA8AHZ.

Feature Article

13 Colonies Special Event 2026

As the Nation celebrates the it’s 250th birthday, consider hunting for Special Event Stations (SES) for each of the 13 Colonies as well as the bonus stations in Great Britian and France, plus at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Also, be on the lookout for Virginia’s activation as K2B. The event is on 1-8 July. If you work a colony station, you are encouraged to spot it for others.
We suggest DX Summit.
More Details at: 13colonies.us

Calendar

SEE WHAT IS SCHEDULED AND PLAN TO JOIN US

Click Here to see the calendar of what Virginia Section Radio Hams are doing.

We invite you to submit your ham radio event, training, swap meet, hamfest, or anything ham radio related. We can help you spread the word.

VA ARES

VIRGINIA AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE

Check back for the next ARESVA SET

Statewide Virginia ARES operations help us to practice our skills in the event of an emergency and ensure our primary equipment and backup equipment are in ready working order.
Don't worry, just be prepared.

GovTrack

VIRGINIA SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Virginia Senators, Representatives, and a map of Virginia's Congressional Districts can be viewed HERE. Use this site to locate contact information for your Senators and Representatives. Make your voice heard.

ARRL

ARRL

American Radio Relay League promotes to advance the art, science, and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.

VA NTS

NTS in Virginia

Virginia Section Nets
Participate in a local Virginia Net. Practice skills. All bands; any day or night.
Help us keep this list current by submitting updates and corrections to the Website developer.

Emergency

EMERGENCY OPERATION FREQUENCIES

Avoid initiating general traffic on these frequencies. Monitor frequencies on this list. Ham’s should be aware of these frequencies to help keep you better informed and to avoid any potential inadvertent interference.

Youth

INFORMATION FOR NEXT GENERATION RADIO HAMS

JOTA-JOTI Annual Jamboree General Information for Scouts and Hams
October 16-18, 2026.
Free event. Open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventures, Sea Scouts, Girl Scouts & the general public.
JOTA-JOTI Annual Jamboree and Scout SignUp Page

Goals

WORKED ALL VIRGINIA (WAV) AWARD

Worked All Virginia
is something to be proud of. Participate in this challange to achieve this gratifying award. You know you worked for this one; you deserve it.

FCC

AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE

FCC Amateur Radio Service
Link to where you can get information on licensing, exams, and file application updates.