Six Metre Contest Calendar

Six Metre Contest Calendar — 2026

Your guide to the major contests and activity events where 50 MHz (6 metres) is a primary band or a significant scoring band.

Dates are based on published 2026 schedules where available and on established annual contest weekens for events where a final 2026 notice has not yet been published. Always check the organiser's website for the final rules and timings before operating.

Month Contest Dates / Timing Notes
January ARRL January VHF Contest 17–19 Jan Includes 50 MHz; major North American VHF event.
February Nordic Activity Contest (50 MHz) Monthly round Regional event which attracts DX participation.
Czech Activity Contest (50 MHz) Monthly round 50 MHz activity event.
Polish Activity Contest (50 MHz) Monthly round 50 MHz activity event.
March Nordic / Czech / Polish Activity Contests Monthly rounds Good early-season activity.
April RSGB Spring 50 MHz Contest Spring weekend (TBA) UK-focused, open internationally.
Monthly Activity Contests Various Nordic, Czech, Polish, Dutch and UK events.
May DARC May VHF Contest May weekend Includes 50 MHz participation.
RSGB Backpackers Series (50 MHz) Begins Portable-focused UK events.
Monthly Activity Contests Various Start of the Sporadic-E season.
June UKSMG Summer Es Contest 6–7 Jun One of the largest dedicated 6 m contests worldwide.
ARRL June VHF Contest 13–15 Jun Major North American 6 m event.
SMIRK 6 Meter Contest 20–21 Jun Six Meter International Radio Klub annual contest.
IARU Region 1 50 MHz Contest 20–21 Jun (expected) Major European 50 MHz contest.
RSGB 50 MHz Trophy 20–21 Jun Significant UK 6 m contest.
ARRL Field Day 27–28 Jun Not a dedicated 6 m contest, but generates huge 50 MHz activity.
July CQ World Wide VHF Contest 4–5 Jul Worldwide VHF event with strong 6 m participation.
August RSGB Backpackers / Trophy Events Various weekends Portable and fixed categories.
Monthly Activity Contests Various Peak late-summer Sporadic-E opportunities.
September ARRL September VHF Contest 12–14 Sep Includes 50 MHz.
DARC September VHF Contest September weekend Large Central European participation.
RSGB Autumn 50 MHz Contest Autumn weekend (TBA) UK-focused.
October Monthly Activity Contests Various Reduced propagation but still active.
November ARRL EME Contest (50–1296 MHz) November weekends Includes 50 MHz EME.
Monthly Activity Contests Various Primarily tropo and EME.
December Monthly Activity Contests Various Winter-season activity.

Monthly Recurring 50 MHz Contests

These events occur throughout the year and are well worth putting in your diary:

UK & Nordic Activity

  • RSGB 50 MHz UK Activity Contest (UKAC) — second Thursday of every month.
  • NRAU Nordic Activity Contest — monthly.
  • VERON VHF/UHF Activity Contests — monthly.

European Activity

  • Czech Activity Contest (UKV) — monthly.
  • Polish VHF Activity Contests — monthly.
  • Other regional 50 MHz activity events take place throughout the year.
Tip: The monthly activity contests can provide excellent opportunities for working new squares and countries, particularly during the Sporadic-E season.

The "Big Six" 6 Metre Events for a UK Operator

If you're looking for the contests most likely to produce serious DX and large numbers of QSOs on 50 MHz, these are the events to put at the top of your calendar:

  1. UKSMG Summer Es Contest — 6–7 June
  2. ARRL June VHF Contest — 13–15 June
  3. IARU Region 1 50 MHz Contest — June
  4. CQ World Wide VHF Contest — July
  5. RSGB 50 MHz UKAC — monthly
  6. ARRL September VHF Contest — 12–14 September
These six events generate a large proportion of the competitive worldwide 6-metre activity each year and are particularly worth watching when Sporadic-E propagation is present.