This weekend, Huntsville hosts one of the biggest ham radio events in the country. The Huntsville Hamfest runs today and tomorrow, August 22–23, at the Von Braun Center South Hall. This year it’s bigger than usual: for the first time since 2007, Huntsville is hosting the ARRL National Convention. So if you can make the drive, this is the year to go.
Where and when
Head to the Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. Doors are open today (Saturday) from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and tomorrow (Sunday) from 9 AM to 3 PM. Admission runs $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Scouts, Royal Rangers in uniform, and kids 12 and under get in free.
What’s happening today
Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend. VE license exams start at 10 AM, so bring your paperwork if you’re testing for a new license or upgrading. The Youth Lounge runs 9 AM to 4 PM with soldering, Arduino programming, and robotics demos for younger hams. Because there’s so much going on, forums run throughout the day on everything from Elecraft gear to satellite operations to lightning protection.
Prize drawings happen every hour, so hold onto your ticket. The Saturday grand prize is an ICOM IC-7300 MK2 transceiver, drawn at 4 PM — you have to be present to win. Later, the DX Banquet kicks off with a social hour at 5:15 PM, followed by dinner at 6:15 PM.
What’s happening Sunday
Sunday is the final day, running 9 AM to 3 PM. VE testing continues in the morning, and the Youth Lounge stays open until 2 PM. If you want a hands-on project, Adult Soldering 101 runs from 10 AM to 2 PM. The YouTubers Group Roundtable meets from 10 AM to noon, and the POTA Forum follows right after at noon.
Last call for Saturday’s unclaimed prizes is 11 AM, so don’t wait too long. The final grand prize drawing — another ICOM IC-7300 MK2 — happens at 2 PM, and the hamfest wraps up by 3 PM.
Why this year is different
Because Huntsville is hosting the ARRL National Convention for the first time since 2007, expect a bigger League presence than usual, including ARRL headquarters staff on hand. Look for the special event station W1AW America250 on the air, DXCC card checking on both days, and a full flea market and dealer floor if you’re hunting for gear or parts.
Worth the trip
Whether you’re chasing that ICOM transceiver, upgrading your license, or just want to talk shop with other hams, the Huntsville Hamfest packs a lot into one weekend. If you can get down there today or tomorrow, it’s worth the drive.
73, and see you on the air.
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