We’re thinking its photo-op potential was a big consideration. | Rendering by Parade of Hearts
What started as a one-off art installation following the COVID-19 pandemic has become a beloved annual sculpture fest spanning seven metro counties. Now, in the midst of its one-year hiatus, the Parade of Hearts has debuted a new design and theme for its 2026 revival.
Personally, we think the fresh fiberglass sculpture shape — a circle featuring a central heart cut-out — is ripe for the picture-taking. Changes are also coming for the fest’s proceeds, which will be reinvested in local businesses rather than split between charities as in years past. Restaurant discounts, anyone?
The former design featured a “KC Heart” front and center.
Photo by KCtoday
“More than a public art display, it fuels local businesses, energizes neighborhoods, and engages both residents and tourists, especially in under-marketed areas,” Jenn Nussbeck, Executive Director of Parade of Hearts, said in a press release.
“In 2026, we’re amplifying this impact and solidifying the region as a global cultural and creative destination, it’s the heartland’s global welcome.”
Artists looking to share their take on the year’s theme, “Hearts of Unity,” can submit their ideas starting Monday, June 9. The 150 designs selected will be on display from April to August 2026, with the official map released that March.
Events
Events
Wednesday, March 5
Rum Tasting Home Buyer Class | 5:30-7 p.m. | Fern Bar | $15 | Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, sample delicious drinks while you pick the brains of knowledgeable real estate pros.
Thursday, March 6
HE[ART]LAND Fellowship WIP | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | Donation | Listen in as artists perform their collab with UMKC’s Center for Neighborhoods, BikeWalk KC, and others for audience feedback before next month’s final showcase.
St. Patrick’s Gnome Paint Party | 6-8:30 p.m. | 25110 E. Strode Rd., Blue Springs | $35 | Bring your favorite bev, a few besties, and follow along for this step-by-step painting sesh featuring an adorable leprechaun gnome.
Friday, March 7
Walkie Talkies | 10-11 a.m. | I-Lan Park, Leawood | Free | Walkers of all paces are welcome to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with others in the community.
Gatsby Gala | 7 p.m. | The Loretto | $30+ | Experience the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties with this spectacular concert and afterparty showcasing the GRAMMY-winning Kansas City Chorale.
Saturday, March 8
Brown Skin Brunchin’ Meetup | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Ronald McDonald House | $10 | Build relationships with fellow women of color by preparing home-cooked meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
Nerdlesque Madness | 7-10 p.m. | 824 East Meyer Blvd. | $25+ | This beautifully curated burlesque and variety show is taking notes from Planet Comicon Kansas City with a show spotlighting cosplay.
Sunday, March 9
Hands-on Cooking Class | 4-6 p.m. | Red Kitchen KC: Cien Por Ciento Mexicana, Overland Park | $50 | From savory tacos to mouthwatering salsas, you’ll get to experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico while spicing up your cooking skills.
Muse: A Soirée Celebrating Women in Food, Drinks & the Arts | 4-7 p.m. | The Guild | $150 | Dine on signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres from awarded local pros, shop pop-up vendors like Nickel & Suede, and participate in a raffle benefiting Girls on the Run Kansas City.
✈️ Here’s how to score a $196 flight deal to San Diego (or Key West, or Las Vegas)
Presented by Going
$196. That’s the average deal Going finds for its members to fly round-trip to San Diego. | Photo by Griffin Wooldridge via Pixabay
Psst — the secret to feeling amazing when you book this year’s vacation? Signing up for free flight tracking, so you’ll be notified when flights you have your eye on are seriously discounted.
On Monday, we reported that “neighborhood work club” Switchyards was opening a location in Kansas City... with few other details. Now we know the trendy work-from-home spot will debut at 1712 Holmes St. on Monday, April 14 with membership sign-ups starting Thursday, April 10 at 10 a.m. (KCBJ)
Community
Bodyweight exercise area, new playground equipment, ADA-compliant trails — these are just some of the upgrades coming to Shawnee’s Garrett Park in 2025. Funded by the city’s “Parks and Pipes” sales tax, the $3.84 million renovation project will also address sound + light mitigation for newly-built pickleball courts. (Johnson County Post)
Eat
Best birthday ever... and it’s not even ours. Celebrate Betty Rae’s anniversary with a free regular scoop at any KC location from 12-1 p.m today through Friday, March 7. And while you can’t go wrong with any of its 26 flavors, our very official recommendation is as follows: a scoop of Razz & Blue topped with Cereal Milk on a waffle cone (it’s worth the upcharge).
Biz
Still working through your “Want to Watch” list on Letterboxed post-Oscars? Add “The Saviors” to the running. Set to debut later this year, the thriller stars Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler, and is backed by Kansas City’s newest film financier + production company Highway 10. (KCBJ)
Feel Good
After sending out a dire SOS, an overcrowded KC Pet Project sent a record-breaking 294 dogs to their fur-ever homes over the past five days. Unleash even more good by fostering or adopting yourself, including rescue chickens Clyde, Craig, and Connor. Of course,we have a guide for that. (FOX4)
Number
$3,800+. That’s how much we’ve raised in Kansas City to support our mission of positive, unbiased local reporting. Thank you.
The Buy
The Buy
A women’s tennis dress made from stretchy, soft fabric that’s perfect for workouts or casual wear on sunny days.
My Kansas City-sized daydreams include the fantasy of being interviewed for The Pitch’s Four Inane Questions series like a real local celebrity. While I wait for my big break, let me play the role of interviewer with my own inane question: If you could transplant one thing (cafe, landmark, etc.) from anywhere in the world to KC, what would it be?
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