Parade of Hearts expands for 2026
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One of the many Parade of Hearts' hearts. Photo: Parade of Hearts
Once again, Kansas City's showing the world it's got heart. KC's Parade of Hearts is supersizing in spring 2026, boasting 150 sculptures and a bigger design.
♥️ Why it matters: The expansion of the city's public heart sculpture experience sets the tone for Kansas City's moment on the global stage as it prepares to host some of next year's FIFA World Cup matches.
- The public will get to know ahead of time where the hearts will be located, the first time organizers have shared placement in advance.
By the numbers: It will be Parade of Hearts' largest financial and regional investment since launching in 2022.
- The stipend for artists has increased to $2,500, $500 more than in previous years, totaling $375,000 going directly to local artists.
- The 150 hearts will be out across KC from April to August 2026.
Between the lines: The new hearts will stand 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, a full foot larger than in past years, with a circular frame and a keyhole-shaped heart cutout in the center.
What they're saying: "It's not a direct correlation to the World Cup," Parade of Hearts executive director Jenn Nussbeck said.
- The idea, she said, is to showcase Kansas City's identity through art during a year in which the city will be seen by the world.
- "We actually want to show how big our hearts are for the globe," Nussbeck said.
Case in point: Trew Love, one of the artists featured in previous years, created a heart that memorialized her father, inspired by her childhood ice cream outings, and finished just before he passed away.
- "It really became a family project," Love told Axios. "I'd never done public art before, and it was amazing to see people interact with something I made."
- She even sat across the street some days just to watch kids interact with it.
- "It really touched my heart, if you will," she said.
What's next: Each sculpture is full of heart, and no two are the same. The Parade of Hearts is accepting artist submissions starting today, as the city prepares to step into the global spotlight.