Midway Exhibits at NEAR-Fest
NEAR-Fest is a gathering where technology, innovation, and community come together — and more than just a place to buy and sell, it’s the largest ham radio flea market in the Northeast. Each event features a range of exhibitors and live demonstrations showcasing radio equipment, electronics, antennas, emergency communications, and more. From commercial vendors offering the latest gear to hobbyists showing off creative, home-built projects, there’s something for everyone to see, learn from, and be inspired by.
Demonstrations take place throughout the event, but we have a dedicated Midway area located between the Information Building and the Inside Vending Building, reserved specifically for exhibits — the perfect spot to gain hands-on experience, ask questions, and swap knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.
Who’s Coming to This Year’s Midway?
The current lineup of confirmed exhibitors is announced on the NEAR-Fest home page. That list is updated as we approach the event, so it’s always the most accurate place to see who will be on the Midway. New exhibitors are added throughout the run-up to each fest.
What You’ll See on the Midway
Exhibits change from event to event, but you can usually expect a mix of:
- EmComm setups — ARES/RACES trailers, mobile command posts, deployable Go Kits
- Portable & field-day rigs — POTA/SOTA stations, backpackable HF, mesh-network kits
- Digital modes & SDR — live demonstrations of FT8, VARA, M17, DMR, digital voice, SDR receivers
- Homebrew & kit builds — projects that hams have built and want to explain
- Satellite & space — hardware, live passes, and educational displays
- Vintage & restoration — boat-anchors, working restorations, historic gear
- New technology — anything cutting-edge that will spark a great conversation
Want to Exhibit? — We’d Love to Hear From You
If you have an interesting item, project, or demonstration that you believe would capture the attention of the NEAR-Fest community, we would love to hear from you! Whether it’s a unique piece of equipment, a clever homebrew design, or a hands-on learning activity, your contribution can help make NEAR-Fest even more exciting and educational.
We welcome individuals and organizations to be part of the Midway.
Approved non-commercial exhibitors are admitted on us — there is no admission fee for you and your exhibit crew when your exhibit is approved. Commercial vendors are welcome and are handled through our regular vendor and inside-space process.
To propose an exhibit, please contact NEAR-Fest with a short description of what you’d like to display, roughly how much space you’ll need, any power or setup requirements, and a way to reach you. We’ll follow up to confirm details before the event.
Good to Know
- The Midway is open during regular NEAR-Fest hours — Friday and Saturday of the event.
- Exhibits are staffed by their owners — stop by, ask questions, and start conversations.
- Please be respectful of exhibitors’ setups — look, ask, and touch only when invited.
- Exhibitors: bring your own tables, chairs, and extension cords. Power is available in most Midway locations — specify your needs when you contact us.
Have something cool to show? Get in touch — we’d love to have you on the Midway.
Want to see who’s coming to this year’s fest? Check the home page »
