The ARRL sponsors numerous on-air events throughout the year to promote technical proficiency and operating skill within the amateur radio community. The following schedule provides the finalized dates and documentation for all ARRL-sanctioned contests in 2026.
January
1st – Straight Key Night
3rd – Kid’s Day
3rd – 4th – RTTY Roundup
17th – 19th – January VHF Contest
Febuary
9th – 13th – School Club Roundup
21st – 22nd – DX Contest – CW
March
7th – 8th – DX Contest – SSB
April
19th – Rookie Roundup – SSB
May
No contests
June
6th – 7th – International Digital Contest
13th – 15th – June VHF Contest
20th – Kid’s Day
27th – 28th – Field Day
July
11th – 12th – IARU HF World Championship
August
1st – 2nd – 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest
8th – 9th – EME – 2.3 GHz & Up – Wknd 1
15th – 17th – 10 GHz & Up – Round 1
16th – Rookie Roundup – RTTY
September
5th – 6th – EME – 2.3 GHz & Up – Wknd 2
12th – 14th – September VHF Contest
19th – 21st – 10 GHz & Up – Round 2
October
19th – 23rd – School Club Roundup
31st – Nov 1st – EME – 50 to 1296 MHz – Wknd 3
November
7th – 9th – Nov. Sweepstakes – CW
28th – 29th – EME – 50 to 1296 MHz – Wknd 4
21st – 23rd – Nov. Sweepstakes – Phone
December
4th – 6th – 160 Meter
12th – 13th – 10 Meter
20th – Rookie Roundup – CW
Participation and Logging Requirements
To ensure accurate scoring and awarding, all participants must follow the standardized reporting procedures established by the ARRL.
Log Formats: Participants must submit electronic logs in the Cabrillo file format. This format ensures compatibility with automated scoring software.
Log Deadlines: Unless otherwise specified in the individual event rules, all logs must be submitted within 14 days of the contest’s conclusion.
Submission Portal: Logs should be uploaded directly to the ARRL Contest Log Submission Portal.
Rule Compliance: Operating parameters, including power levels and band segments, must comply with both the specific contest rules and the operator’s license privileges.