What to do in KC this weekend: Parade of Hearts, a haunted circus and more
It’s getting spooky in Kansas City this weekend, and we’re not even in October. If that’s not your thing, there’s plenty else to do around town, even if the rain continues as predicted.
A traveling haunted circus makes its way to Independence on Friday, April 3, where it’ll set up shop for the following 10 days. Those in a more celebratory mood can go check out the world premiere of the latest batch of heart-shaped sculptures that’ll be placed around town (where they’ll be placed is already announced, to save you some search troubles).
There’s a lot going on this First Friday weekend in April, especially with Easter celebrations, but here a few things you should keep your eye on in the days to come. If there’s something you have your eye on for next week that people should absolutely go to, email jhernandez@kcstar.com.
Parade of Hearts 150 United
The return of the Parade of Hearts kicks off with 150 United, a one-day showcase of all the heart-shaped sculptures created by local artists to represent Kansas City and the surrounding areas.
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 announced all 150 locations, 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.
Paranormal Cirque
The Independence Center shopping mall is getting a taste of the unknown when Paranormal Cirque Inferno comes to town.
The traveling circus show brings acrobats, illusionists, freaks and mysterious creatures inside its black and red tent starting Friday, April 3, and running daily through Monday, April 13. Inferno will ignite the stage with “breathtaking visuals, international artists, immersive technology and a thematic intensity worthy of Dante’s distinctive descent,” according to a press release.
Ticket prices range from $20-$60 before taxes. It’s an ages-restricted show, so anyone between the ages of 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult ages 21 and up. You must be at least 17 years old with a photo ID to purchase a ticket for yourself..
Deanna Rose returns for the season
A family-friendly farm opened its gates for the 2026 season this week.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is back, welcoming all to visit its 250 animals, learn about growing flowers and food and experience Native American Kanza history. Kids and parents can go on wagon rides, fish or take a look through a 1900s one-room schoolhouse similar.
A few new breeds of goat are at the farmstead this year, including Angoras and Toggenburgs. Goat yoga won’t be ready for opening weekend, but you can expect to see that on the calendar in June.
It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the price of admission is $5 per person for those ages 3 and older.
Easter activities around Kansas City
The Easter bunny will be out and about throughout the Kansas City area this weekend to celebrate the end of the 40-day Lenten season, observed by Protestants and Catholics around the world. You can also find yourself trying to catch the treats the bunny left behind or take a picture with the creature at one of these public Easter events:
- BunnyPalooza at the KC Pumpkin Patch, 13875 S. Gardner Road in Olathe. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 4 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Pre-sale tickets start at $19.95 online, while it costs $22.95 at the gate and on the day of the event. Guests can search for eggs and participate in the over 60 activities available, like the mega slide and skeeball.
- Bunny Hop Parade in downtown Lee’s Summit, 209 SE Green St. 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4. It’s free to attend.
- Spring Fest at Zona Rosa, 8640 N Dixson Ave. Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s free to attend, where guests can take pictures with the Easter bunny, dig for dinosaur fossils and more.
- Spring Roundup at Faulkner Ranch, 10600 Raytown Road. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4-5. Tickets start at $16.95 per person. Egg hunts and options to go on pony rides are available while it’s open.
