The Parade of Hearts returns to KC in April. Here’s how you can see them all
Get ready for the return of the Parade of Hearts.
Weeks before FIFA World Cup games arrive in Kansas City, 150 hearts by local artists will deploy across the region, using a shape that’s new for the bi-annual public art experience. Those looking forward to seeing the hearts will have their chance to see them all in one place in April.
150 United was announced Wednesday, March 4, offering guests to see the sculptures displayed together for one day only and the chance to meet the “heartists” behind the artwork, like Kansas City-based artist Liz Gonzalez who turned a Johnson County storage unit into an art studio.
Gonzalez, like the other 149 artists, worked with a new sculpture this year, with a heart carved out in the middle of a circular structure. Jenn Nussbeck, the executive director for Parade of Hearts, previously said the World Cup coming to Kansas City made it the right time to change the look, previously a solid heart.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at theparadeofhearts.com. Prices with fees are $13.68 for visitors ages 12 ans over and $6.84 for children ages 11 and under.
If you miss out on the event, you will know where the hearts are located. Organizers will announce all 150 locations in advance for the first time ever, showcasing how far out the hearts will go this year. It’ll reach areas such as southern Cass County, Chillicothe, Lawson, Oak Grove and Weston in Missouri, and Lawrence, South Olathe and Topeka in Kansas.
Nussbeck said in a statement that the hearts embody the excellence and breadth of the artistic talent in the Kansas City region. She said that visitors new and old will be able to feel the heart of the community when they travel to see the displays.
“The designs show extraordinary diversity, and each unique creation reflects how open our hearts are to one another and to all who visit our region,” Nussbeck said. “They are powerful symbols of unity and belonging that showcase the spirit and pride of our region to the world.”
