NEAR-Fest XL

The New England Amateur Radio Festival (NEAR-Fest) is a twice-yearly hamfest held on Friday and Saturday of the first full weekend in May and October at the Hillsborough County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17 Hilldale Lane, New Boston, New Hampshire.

Next edition

NEAR-Fest XL runs 2–3 October 2026. Official ticketing (tickets.near-fest.com) lists those dates with sales open. The spring 2026 edition (NEAR-Fest XXXIX, 1–2 May 2026) has already taken place.

What to expect

NEAR-Fest is among the largest amateur radio gatherings in the Northeast, drawing operators from New England and Canada. The program typically includes a large outdoor electronics flea market, indoor commercial and selling space (including the Buck Barn), technical talks, exhibits, licensing exams, special-event stations, a Friday-night HAM-JAM, food vendors, and overnight camping.

Hours and tickets

Admission is valid for both days. The ticket booth opens Friday at 07:30 for 08:00 admission (walk-up cash and cards). Online orders receive QR codes and drive-through express check-in. Camping gates open Thursday at 15:00 (camping only; flea-market selling starts Friday). Under-18s, full-time students, non-ham spouses and minor children, and those taking an amateur radio exam may receive complimentary gate admission.

Admission ticket: US$15. Tailgating pass: US$20. RV/camper overnight: US$30/night. Tent/overnighter: US$15/night. Inside selling space and table/chair/power rentals are sold through the same checkout.

Talk-in and contact

Talk-in repeater: 444.200+ PL 186.2 (Mt. Uncanoonuc, N1PA). Organizer: The New England Amateur Radio Festival Inc., PO Box 172, Barton, VT 05822. Phone: (802) 404-2600. Website: https://near-fest.com/