Oklahoma QSO Party

Each spring, amateur radio operators across the nation tune their rigs and antennas to join one of the Midwest’s most popular state operating events — the Oklahoma QSO Party (OKQP). This annual event brings hams together for a weekend of friendly competition, collaboration, and fun radio traffic from the heartland.

What It Is

The Oklahoma QSO Party is a state QSO party — an operating event where stations inside Oklahoma and around the world make as many contacts (“QSOs”) as possible over a designated weekend. While anyone can participate, the party especially highlights Oklahoma county activity and gives operators a chance to connect with hams from every corner of the Sooner State.

Held each March, the event runs approximately 31 hours, beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday evening. This extended schedule allows operators to take advantage of varying band conditions and operating styles across the weekend.

How It Works

Participants may operate in several categories, including fixed, mobile, and multi-operator classes. Contacts may be made using CW, phone (SSB), or digital modes on the HF bands from 80 meters through 6 meters.

During the contest:

• Oklahoma stations exchange an RST signal report and their county.
• Non-Oklahoma stations exchange an RST report along with their state, province, or country.

Points are awarded for each valid QSO, with different point values depending on mode and band. Multipliers include Oklahoma counties, U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and DXCC entities. Bonus points are available for accomplishments such as mobile operation and activating multiple counties.

Why It Matters

The Oklahoma QSO Party is more than just a contest — it’s an opportunity to:

• Put all 77 Oklahoma counties on the air
• Improve operating and contesting skills
• Help participants work toward awards like Worked All States (WAS)
• Encourage mobile and portable operations, often activating rare or hard-to-work counties

For many operators, OKQP is also a social tradition — a chance to test new equipment, enjoy HF operating after winter, and reconnect with familiar callsigns year after year.

How to Join In

The Oklahoma QSO Party is open to all licensed amateur radio operators, whether located in Oklahoma or anywhere else in the world. Full rules, operating details, and log submission instructions are available on the official OKQP website maintained by K5CM.

Mark your calendar, get on the air, and be part of one of Oklahoma’s favorite amateur radio events!