Mardi Gras in Dallas 2025, Texas

Mardi Gras in Dallas is marked with parties, pub crawls, parades, and music events, bringing true New Orleans vibes to the Big D. The main highlight of the celebration is the Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade, the largest such event in North Texas.

Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade (TBA)

The annual Dallas Mardi Gras Parade brings vibrant energy to the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff. Starting at 1 pm, the parade makes its way along Davis Street, beginning near Nova and the Kessler Theater. Thousands of spectators gather to enjoy the lively procession, catching beads tossed from dozens of colorful floats.

This cherished Oak Cliff tradition promises an afternoon filled with music, floats, and dazzling costumes. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot, making it a perfect event to enjoy with friends and family.

For convenience, public transportation, shared rides, or biking are encouraged. Limited parking is also available on side streets that are not permit-only, though streets closer to Bishop Arts may have restrictions.

Dash for the Beads (March 2, 2025)

Dash for the Beads, an annual event coinciding with Mardi Gras, brings together a vibrant 5K run and a 1-mile walk in Dallas. Scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025, the day unfolds in tandem with the Go Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade, creating a festive atmosphere. After the race, participants and spectators can enjoy a lively celebration featuring a Kid Zone, live music, food trucks, and refreshments, including freshly made mimosas and craft beer. The festival's location on Davis Street provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the parade that follows.

The 5K course, set against the scenic backdrop of Kessler Park, offers both beauty and challenge, starting and ending near the festival grounds. Medals are awarded to the top three male and female runners in nine different age groups. For families, the 1-mile walk takes place before the 5K, allowing parents and children to join in the fun together.

Mardi Gras Bar Crawls (February 22, March 1, 2025)

Dallas comes alive with festive spirit during the Mardi Gras season, hosting several bar crawls to mark the occasion. The annual Mardi Gras Bar Crawl starts at Playground Bar Uptown on Saturday, February 22, and transforms the city into its version of Bourbon Street for one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations. Participants are encouraged to embrace the festive atmosphere by dressing in costumes.

Registration includes beads, a 16oz color-changing Mardi Gras cup, and a wristband. Please note that all attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets start at $12.

The sprawling Texas Live! entertainment complex in Arlington sets the stage for an exciting Mardi Crawl on March 1, featuring live music, themed food and drinks, performances, and more. Attendees can enjoy drink specials, custom bourbon-inspired cocktails at each venue, authentic Cajun cuisine, vibrant live performances, and, of course, plenty of beads. Tickets for drink packages range from $15 to $20.