The following is a message from the International Amateur Radio Association (AIRA):

On July 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, AIRA will be activating the Barra Lighthouse in Ílhavo, Aveiro- Portugal. We warmly invite radio amateurs to join us in this special activation. The designated callsign will be CS5AIRA.

The activity will operate across the 20 and 40-meter bands, as well as VHF and UHF frequencies. Communications will include links via Echolink-LUSOFONA, LART Network, the QO-100 satellite, and DMR via Talkgroup 268 (10:00 - 12:00) and Talkgroup 91 (14:00 - 18:00) on the BrandMeister platform.

See the event website for more information.

Source: International Amateur Radio Association

The following is a message from W3ND, the Central Pennsylvania Repeater Association:

Special Event Station – August 15th, 2026

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad

136 Brown Street
Middletown, Pennsylvania

The W3ND radio club has stepped back in time aboard a 1920s vintage rail coach. This railroad operates daily and for passenger and freight needs.

Look at their special events on their website. https://www.mhrailroad.com

With radio in hand, join us on the airways from 12 noon to 4 pm. –4UTC at 14.260 & 7.190 MHz SSB, 14.025 & 7.050 CW, and IRLP station 7060.

QSL cards may be requested on the form on the W3ND website, and one will be mailed to you.

Public viewing is available from the Race Street entrance. Rides are available with the purchase of a ticket. KB3YRC

Source: Central Pennsylvania Repeater Association

The following is a message from the 13 Colonies Special Event:

In just a few weeks, one of the most popular summer operating events kicks off – The 13 Colonies Special Event. Now in its 18th year the event has grown from Special Event Stations making approximately 12,000 contacts to last year making 292,496 contacts around the world. The Event runs from July 1 9:00 AM - July 7 Midnight Eastern (July 1 – 1300 UTC – July 8 – 0400 UTC).

This year the 13 Colonies Special Event organizers are recognizing America’s sesquicentennial by featuring many locations where the Declaration of Independence was first read in their city or colony.

The Special Event consists of one station operating in each of the 13 Colonies (K2A – K2M) and three bonus stations (WM3PEN – Philadelphia, GB13COL – England, TM13COL – France). Each representing their city, state, or country’s role in America’s Colonial period. All stations will be offering a special QSL card. A few stations are offering special events within the Special Event. North Carolina’s K2J team says to stay tuned to their Facebook and QRZ page. Philadelphia’s WM3PEN is participating in both the 13 Colonies Special Event as well as the World Soccer Tournament Special Event, Stations who work WM3PEN July 1 -7 will get credit for both events and with a QSL request will get a special qsl card for each event.

Ham Radio operators and SWLs can participate in the event. Complete information about the call for each colony station and the bonus stations can be found on the event website 13colonies.us and they can follow us on Facebook – 13 Colonies Special Event Community. Stations need only make one contact with one of the participating stations or they can go for a Clean Sweep and work all 13 Colony stations and the 3 bonus stations. This year certificates can be downloaded, or ordered online or by mail. Operators can keep an eye out for the special event stations by watching many of the dx spotting networks such as DXSummit.fi.

Source: 13 Colonies Special Event