Dance all night! Run all morning! Catch some beads!

That’s basically your plan for this weekend, if you’re anywhere near Oak Cliff TX. It’s Mardi Gras, and we do it right in our little corner of Dallas.

The fanciest Oak Cliff event of the whole year is this Friday night, 7pm. The Masquerade Ball, complete with live band, dinner, and fun for hours, will be held at Cliff House for the first time. I’m getting my hair done at Sweet 200, nails at Pink Pedi, then throwing on my fave dancing shoes. Last I checked, there were a couple of tickets left…for you last minute party animals. I challenge you to a dance-off!

The next morning at 9am, rain or shine, we lace up our kicks and head down to Kidd Springs Park. The Dash for the Beads is a 1, 5, and 10k run that is one of this city’s hilliest! Personally, I’m a walker. But Val Haskell will be out there to win it (in her category). And the awesome running club from Hogg Elementary will warm your heart as they compete in their first ever Dash.

Sunday’s big question will be can Winnetka Heights retain their title in the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade? Or will Kings Highway’s return to the float category be a a triumphant one? It will be neck-and-neck that’s for sure. Make your way toward West Davis just before 4pm to get the best viewing spots. As always, there will be fun activities in Bishop Arts District to follow.
Once this family-friendly Mardi Gras weekend ends, you can find bead-recycling stations at several locations (in case those 30 pounds of plastic don’t spark joy).

405 S Clinton / 75208
1331 S Montreal / 75208
231 E Greenbriar / 75203

We’ll be looking for you around the neighborhood this weekend! And laissez les bon temp rouler!

XOJ