The Parade of Hearts is taking a breather before its grand 2026 return with a brand-new design — but KC’s love affair with larger-than-life sculptures? That’s been going strong for decades.
Kansas City has been playing host to herds, bears, and hearts since the new millennium, turning the metro into a rotating gallery of fiberglass whimsy. And while some of these creations have found permanent homes (hello, Brookside’s Chiefs + Royals cow), others have vanished into the art history archives.
CowParade
It all started with CowParade in 2001, when more than 200 colorful bovines moo-ved into town, delighting locals before being auctioned off for charity. The fiberglass herd became an instant icon, with some still grazing around town today.
March of the Teddy Bears
Then came the March of the Teddy Bears in 2002, bringing larger-than-life-sized, artist-painted bears to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the plush toy’s invention. These cuddly giants weren’t just for show — they also helped raise funds, this time for Children’s Mercy + The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
Pro tip: While the original website is no longer around, you can check out “The Official Bear Hunter’s Guidebook” through the Internet Archive.
Parade of Hearts
Fast-forward to today, and we’ve fallen head over heels for the Parade of Hearts. Since 2022, these massive, artist-designed hearts have popped up across the metro, celebrating KC pride while supporting local nonprofits. The annual hunt to spot them all has become a citywide tradition (and a prime Instagram opportunity).
What’s next? A parade of barbecue grills? Jazz saxophones? Giant fountains? (We’re just spitballing here, but we wouldn’t be mad about it.) Until then, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the next pop-up masterpiece.
