LAist Listens Election Edition at Hollywood Market

Most newsroom events happen behind a podium. This one happens between the produce stalls. LAist, the nonprofit newsroom and home of the region's largest NPR station at 89.3 FM, is bringing its "LAist Listens" pop-up to the Hollywood Farmers' Market this Sunday, and the focus is the upcoming November election. If you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that cost nothing and might actually shape local coverage, this is a good one.

When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Where: Hollywood Farmers Market, 1600 Ivar Ave., Hollywood Price: Free Hosted by: LAist

What LAist Listens is

LAist Listens is a roving, in-person project from the newsroom's community engagement team. Instead of waiting for readers to write in, reporters show up wherever people already gather: a coffee shop, a burger spot, a flea market, a farmers' market. The idea is simple. Journalists ask questions, listen to the answers, and carry what they hear back to the newsroom so coverage reflects what neighbors actually want to know.

What to expect

At this stop, LAist journalists will be on hand between 8 AM and 1 PM to talk about the November election and to give out free voter resources. You can ask questions about the ballot, tell them what you wish the newsroom would cover, or just say hello. It is a drop-in format with no program and no set start time, so walk up, chat, and go back to your shopping.

There is free swag too. Photos from earlier stops show a table with a spin-to-win prize wheel, a tote bag and a free-drink offer, which makes it an easy pause with kids or friends in tow. Among the LA events this weekend, it is one of the few where your opinion is the whole point.

Getting there

The market sets up around Ivar Avenue in Hollywood, so plan for street parking or take transit and walk. Morning is the quietest stretch before the crowds build. Bring a reusable bag, because you will almost certainly leave with produce as well as pamphlets.

LAist says it is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that centers its coverage on people and communities. Stopping by is a low-effort way to see how that works in practice, and a fair way to get your election questions answered by people who report on them every day. For the full details, see the official LAist event page.