Native Events Mode
Use Lista Recurring Events without any custom field plugin.
Overview
Native Events Mode provides a built-in Events post type with all the date, time, location, and meeting URL fields you need — no ACF, Meta Box, JetEngine, or any other custom field plugin required.
This is ideal if:
- You don't use a custom field plugin and don't want to install one
- You want the simplest possible setup
- You're building a dedicated events site and don't need fields for other purposes
Setup Wizard
When you first activate Native Events Mode, a setup wizard guides you through the initial configuration:
- Post Type — Confirms the built-in Events post type will be registered
- Fields — Shows which fields are included (start date, end date, start time, end time, location, meeting URL)
- Ready — Completes setup and takes you to create your first event
Included Fields
Native Mode registers these fields automatically in the event editor:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Event start date (required) |
| End Date | Event end date (for multi-day events) |
| Start Time | Event start time |
| End Time | Event end time |
| Location | Venue or address |
| Meeting URL | Link for online events |
These fields appear in a dedicated metabox alongside the recurrence settings.
Switching Modes
You can switch between Native Mode and Integration Mode at any time:
- Go to Recurring Events → Settings → Advanced
- Use the Mode Switcher
- Select your preferred mode
Native → Integration
When switching to Integration Mode, you'll need to:
- Have a custom field plugin installed (ACF, Meta Box, etc.)
- Configure your date field name in plugin settings
- Set up your own post type if you want something other than the built-in Events type
Integration → Native
When switching to Native Mode:
- The built-in Events post type becomes active
- Your existing events in other post types remain untouched
- You can run both modes conceptually (native Events post type + other configured post types)
When to Use Native Mode
| Scenario | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|
| No custom field plugin installed | Native |
| Already using ACF/Meta Box for other things | Integration |
| Want the simplest setup possible | Native |
| Need custom fields beyond date/time/location | Integration |
| Building a dedicated events-only site | Either works |
| Multiple post types as events | Integration |
Compatibility
Native Mode works with all other plugin features:
- Bricks Builder and Elementor integrations
- Calendar display
- AJAX filtering
- Add to Calendar
- Schema.org structured data
- Overrides and exclusions
- All shortcodes and dynamic tags