Twice is a coincidence, but three times makes a trend. | Photos by KCtoday + Parade of Hearts
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 fan-demonium cow), others have vanished into the art history archives.
CowParade
It all started with CowParade in 2001, when hundreds of 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 4-ft to 6-ft-tall, 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.
Open Drawing, ft. Kirstie Lynn | 6-8 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | Free, RSVP | Pick up a drawing board, whip out your sketchbook, and find a spot to create while listening to live music from a Manor Records artist.
Gretchen Rubin, “Secrets of Adulthood” | 7-8 p.m. | Unity Temple | $23 | Hear from the KC-native and #1 NYT bestselling author about her turn towards aphorisms to articulate everyday truths — plus, get your book signed + personalized.
Friday, April 4
Spring Stuffy Sleepover | Friday, April 4-Saturday, April 5 | Times vary | Monarch Books & Gifts, Overland Park | $5 | Kiddos can drop off a stuffed animal on Friday and reunite the next morning for an in-store Easter egg hunt + breakfast bites, while you enjoy a literary-themed coffee menu.
Saturday, April 5
Cars & Coffee | 8-10 a.m. | Kansas Speedway | Free | Bring your love for four wheels and kick off car show season with an exciting, free showcase at the racetrack.
Project Blue River Rescue | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lakeside Nature Center | Free, RSVP | Once a glamping spot for wealthy Kansas Citians to keep house boats, clean up this Muddy Mo’ tributary and share your “trash treasures” for a crowd contest tradition.
Lyric Opera Ball: Classically Opera | 5:30-11:30 p.m. | Loews Kansas City Hotel | $350 | Button up for an elegant evening, including famous opera melodies, an exclusive auction, exquisite dinner, and dancing to the band Lost Wax.
Union of the Snake: Duran Duran Tribute | 7 p.m. | recordBar | $20 | Transport yourself to the glory days of Duran Duran with this show playing New Wave hits wearing nostalgic fits.
Sunday, April 6
Orchid Transplanting & Mounting Workshop | 10-11:30 a.m. | Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs | $46 | Unleash your inner botanist and create breathtaking living displays of fascinating epiphytes on pieces of wood or tree stumps.
The R&B Rooftop Brunch | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, NKC | $15 | Soak up the sun with a daytime party full of brunch classics, good vibes, and R&B tunes.
Art For Art | 1-4 p.m. | Folly Theater | $10 | This benefit auction features 100+ pieces from local artists as well as signed memorabilia from past performers like Dolly Parton.
Kansas-side special elections are a wrap: Lenexa said “yes” to its 3/8-cent sales tax, Gardner Edgerton schools got their bond, and Westwood voters shut down plans to replace Joe D. Dennis Park with 100,000 sqft of office + retail space. Now, it’s Jackson County’s turn. (KCBJ)
History
Kansas City’s very own Hall of Prophecy? Not quite, but UMKC’s Miller Nichols Library does have a three-story, human-free book-fetching robot — just as magical (minus the glowing orbs). See what’s hiding in the stacks. (IN Kansas City)
Award
Of the eight chefs and restaurants named as James Beard semifinalists, none made it to the next round. Call it a snub, but we call it more brisket, burnt ends, and mouthwatering bites at fave local eateries for us.
Eat
Speaking of local cuisine... Kansas City-based fried chicken classic Go Chicken Go has expanded for the first time in 25 years. The new Northland drive-thru officially hatched off NE Vivion Road today, with more than enough G-sauce to go around. (Kansas City Star)
Finance
How does one “live the American Dream” in KC? Apparently, You’ll need an annual household income of $116,985. The study by GoBankingRates.com examined data across the nation’s 50 largest metro areas, including factors like annual grocery costs and monthly mortgage expenses. (KCBJ)
Watch
HBO’s “The Last of Us” is back for another season, and you can catch the premiere at Screenland Armour. Find your seat for free premiere on Monday, April 14, featuring glimpses of a post-apocalyptic US on the big screen. Popcorn + Pedro Pascal? Say less.
Announced
Just a taste. Tom’s Town teased its new underground speakeasy, the Vault, on its socials — calling the spot an homage to Tom Pendergast’s “favorite indulgences.” A grand reveal is brewing and we’re picturing plenty of booze, bookies, and good ol’ fashioned vice.
Closing
What started as a hobby collecting antique ice cream scoops became Sentimental Journey Antiques, an Independence biz that’s closing after two decades. Treasure hunters can shop its final sale for 50% off everything, with anything left by May sold at auctions over the summer. (Kansas City Star)
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This might just be a me thing, but I’m positively stoked for the new layout of Kansas City Public Library’s online archives. Any history piece I write usually starts with a deep dive into the Missouri Valley Special Collections, which then inspires another piece on my radar — like a look into the original, epic, hand-drawn proposals for Liberty Memorial.
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