Website Information will be updated in a few months, Information Subject to Change as the committee meets.
Shelby Hamfest
Cleveland County Fairgrounds
Shelby North Carolina
September 4-5, 2026
980-295-5151
A MESSAGE FROM THE HAMFEST CHAIRMAN
Hello friends and fellow hams!
We’re excited to invite you to join us September 4 & 5, 2026 for the 70th Annual Shelby Amateur Radio Club Hamfest—a celebration of amateur radio, community, and fun! This year, we’ve got something for everyone:
• Online Advance Ticket Sales
• Camping right on-site—bring your tent or RV and make it a weekend!
• Indoor and outdoor covered spaces available for vendors.
• A huge flea market in the midway—find that special piece for your shack.
• ARRL State Convention hosted at the Hamfest.
• W1AW/4 station broadcasting live from the event.
• A children’s program to introduce the next generation to the joys of ham radio.
We’re also updating our website, so check back often for new info. Come share the fun, meet old friends, make new ones, and celebrate 70 years of ham radio in Shelby. We can’t wait to see you there!
Russell Hayes / KE4GTQ
Hamfest Chairman, 2026
Hours of Operation
Friday September 4 2026
9:00 AM until 5:00 PM (Buildings & Flea Market)
Saturday September 5, 2026
Gates open at 7:00 AM (Outside Vendors)
Inside Vendor Buildings 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location of Fairgrounds
1751 E Marion St, Shelby, NC 28152
Approximately 35 miles West of Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Cleveland County, NC has several points of interest to explore while visiting our county. If you are planning to spend the week camping with us, you may wish to explore some of these interesting places. Click here to see area Points of Interest!
Parking Information
FREE PARKING
Parking will be behind the fairgrounds. Please turn on Kemper Rd off Marion St and take the First Right onto Ferris Wheel Blvd. On Saturday September 5th you will be directed on where to park. There will be handicap parking available.
Mobility Options are available - Golf Carts are available for rent during the hamfest - Please click here for Mobility Options.
Buy Tickets
Tickets are $10.00 and all tickets bought in advanced will be will call only (meaning to be picked up at arrival at the event).
View Prizes Here (to be updated soon)
BUY TICKETS HERE (to be updated soon)
*Members of Shelby Amateur Radio Club are not eligible to buy tickets or win prizes.
Talk-In Frequency
Talk-in is on our 146.880 (-), 67.0 Hz Tone Repeater.
VE Testing
VE Testing is provided by WCARS-VE, Inc.
Saturday September 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Location TBD
Indoor Vendor Buildings
Shelby Hamfest has several indoor vendor options. Goforth Hall & Weathers Arena are indoor options for exhibitors which will keep you and your items safe from weather conditions (Sun or Rain). If you would like more information regarding inside vendor options, please contact Chip Workman N4SOC (704) 476-6224 or click here . More detailed information can be found by clicking here!
Outdoor Vendor Space
Shelby Hamfest outdoor vendor spaces are available. There are areas designated as Outdoor Commercial Vendor spaces. These are ideal for those vendors who want to be positioned between the indoor spaces and the Flea Market areas. If you would like more information regarding outdoor vendor options, please contact Russell Hayes KE4GTQ (980) 295-5151 or click here. More detailed information can be found by clicking here!
Outdoor Covered Option
Shelby Hamfest has another option for those who want to be able to reserve spaces which will be covered. The Covered area is attached to the Weathers Arena. If you would like more information regarding this reservable alternative to the first come first served outside flea market area please contact at Russell Hayes KE4GTQ (980) 295-5151 or click here. More detailed information can be found by clicking here!
Flea Market Spaces
These spaces are not reservable and are available on a first come / first serve bases beginning the Sunday prior to the Hamfest. These spaces are located throughout the fairgrounds and surrounded by the buildings and camping areas of the hamfest. There are plenty of spaces available and are usually plenty of spaces to choose from throughout the event. If you need information please contact at Russell Hayes KE4GTQ click here or call 980-295-5151. For more information click here!
Food Vendors
A food vendor will be open on the fairgrounds with a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items with several locations. The vendor will also offer delivery service to your site. An Orangeade/Lemonade vendor will be present to serve you also. If this type of food is not what you are interested in then try one of our many restaurants in Shelby. All are just a short ride from the fairgrounds. To learn how to become a vendor please contact at Russell Hayes KE4GTQ click here or call 980-295-5151.
RV Camping
One highlight of the Shelby Hamfest is on-site RV & Tent Camping the week of the hamfest. Campers enjoy fellowshipping with other campers and amateur radio operators and are able to explore the many places of interest in Shelby, NC and he surrounding area. Contact Lynn Winkelman at (704) 419-0738 for more information on camping (RV, Trailer & Tent). To request information click here. For more information & Registration Form click here!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Information Subject to Change as Committee Meets
COMING SOON (Mail-In)
COMING SOON - Camping Reservation Form
Golf Carts & Mobility Info
Do Not contact the club for Golf Cart Rentals Click Here for more information. Please watch and yield to pedestrian traffic. Wheelchairs and Scooters can be used at anytime for handicapped individuals. You can bring your own golf cart but will be subject to the same rules as the rental carts. Golf cart driver must be at 16 years of age and hold a valid state-issued drivers license.
** Golf cart drivers observed operating unsafely will be asked to park their cart for duration of the hamfest.
Accommodations
If camping at the Fairgrounds is not your idea of a good nights sleep, then there are a variety of Hotels & Motels to choose from in Cleveland County and the surrounding area. If you are planning to come out to the hamfest for more than one day, you'll want to make reservations at one of the area hotels.
Click here for a list of some local hotels.
Forums (Saturday)
2026 Forums
More to be confirmed at a later date.
If you would like to make a presentation or have a program you'd like to present, please contact the hamfest at 980-295-5151.
