Hamfests are gatherings of amateur radio operators and businesses that serve the ham radio community. They range from small, local events to the largest annual gathering of hams in the world. Individuals bring equipment to sell or swap, vendors set up booths to sell, sell, sell, and there may be informational programs at the larger events. A few of the hamfests that can be attended within a days drive of S. E. Michigan include the following:
- Dayton Hamvention – The big one! Held the 3rd weekend in May in Dayton, OH the Dayton Hamvention draws nearly 20,000 attendees and almost every major and minor amatuer radio business. You can buy almost anything related to ham radio at this event. There are also product presentations and seminars.
- Findlay Radio Club (W8FT) Hamfest – A modest hamfest held each September in Findlay, Ohio
- W9INX Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society (ACARTS) – A somewhat larger hamfest held each November in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
- Monroe County Radio Communications Association Monroe, MI – A modest hamfest held each June in Monroe, Michigan
- W8DF Southern Michigan Amateur Radio Society (SMARS) – A hamfest in Marshall, Michigan each March.
- Milford (Michigan) Amateur Radio Club Ham Swap – A small, local ham swap held each April at the local high school in Milford, Michigan
