If you’re anywhere within driving distance of Raleigh, North Carolina, there’s one hamfest you don’t want to miss this spring: RARSfest 2025, happening Saturday, April 5th at the Jim Graham Building on the NC State Fairgrounds. It’s one of the largest and most respected hamfests in the Southeast — and it’s coming up fast.
🎟️ Get the details and tickets at RARSfest.org
🔊 Exclusive Interview with RARSfest Chairwoman Nancy
Before you pack your gear and hit the road, check out my exclusive sit-down with RARSfest Chairwoman Nancy Boudreaux, KB4NQY. We talk about what makes this event so special, what’s new this year, and why RARSfest continues to grow when other hamfests are shrinking.
Nancy lays it all out — from the vendors and forums to the youth programs, raffle prizes, and the strong local club culture that powers this event. If you’ve ever wanted to see how a successful hamfest is really run, this is the behind-the-scenes look you’ve been waiting for.
📡 What to Expect at RARSfest 2025
- Massive Indoor Flea Market – Over 300 tables of radios, antennas, parts, accessories, and maybe even that unicorn rig you’ve been hunting for.
- Commercial Vendors – Big names, big gear, and big deals.
- Licensing Exams – Ready to upgrade? RARSfest has you covered.
- Educational Forums – Learn from some of the best minds in the hobby.
- Youth Lounge – Yes, kids are welcome — and they’ll have plenty to do.
- Raffle Drawings – Win big just by showing up.
It’s a full-day event with doors opening at 8:00 AM. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just soaking it all in, RARSfest delivers the full amateur radio experience.
🔥 Why This One Matters
RARSfest isn’t just another swap meet. This is a flagship event for the region — run by the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society, a group with serious experience and an even more serious passion for the hobby.
And in a time when some hamfests are fading, RARSfest is thriving — because it’s built on community, education, and getting people on the air. Whether you’re into HF, DMR, CW, satellites, or just looking for your next rig, this is the place to be.
🎙️ Come Find Me at the Fest
I’ll be there covering the event for HamShackTV, grabbing interviews, shooting B-roll, and chatting with the folks that make this hobby great. If you see me, stop by and say hello — I’d love to put a face to a callsign.
Live, Learn, Transmit. Welcome to the shack. See you in Raleigh.
— Josh, AA4WX
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