This month is a busy one, with a variety of holidays and special events scheduled in Dallas – there’s something for everyone, it seems, from now through the middle of the month.
Weather may be cooling and turn a little unpredictable, with some showers forecast but, compared to what the Northeast is experiencing, local residents should be thankful to be here. Just remember to carry an umbrella, and bring a sweater for some of these outdoor excursions. But don’t let a few raindrops dampen your enthusiasm for the parties that are planned.
As you probably know, there is more than Presidents’ Day shopping, and the State of the Union address on the agenda for Tuesday.
Mardi Gras is Feb. 12, followed two days later by Valentine’s Day. Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, is the following weekend, and there are a multitude of family and child-oriented events scheduled and available this weekend and continuing right on through the next. Many of them are free.
Mardi Gras is alive and well and being celebrated in both Oak Cliff and McKinney, as well as in Galveston and New Orleans. So, if you can’t make it to the famous fetes out of town, and you don’t feel like throwing your own bash, join in the festivities on Sunday, Feb. 10, by viewing the “Artistic Krewe of Barkus Parade in McKinney, beginning at 2 p.m.
Cartoon characters are the theme for canines and their human companions, and the route is along Tennessee St. For more information, call 972-547-2660.
The fourth annual Dash for the Beads 5K Run also is pet and family-friendly, with a costume contest. Proceeds benefit Finding Inspired Dog Owners (FIDO) Oak Cliff, an organization which is working to establish a neighborhood dog park. The event will commence Saturday morning, Feb. 9, at Kidd Springs Park, 711 W. Canty St. Registration costs $30, and the run-walk begins at 8:30 a.m.
If you’re in the party mode, are 21 or older, and want to attend a Masquerade Ball, Saturday evening is your opportunity. Get out that mask and find some feathers. Live entertainment is on the agenda, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis St. General admission is $50, including dinner, and tickets are available online.
The Bishop Arts District Mardi Gras Street Festival, including music, a crawfish boil and other food vendors, is planned from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, with the finale of the day to be the parade in traditional Mardi Gras style complete with “thrown” beads. The parade route begins on Davis Street, proceeding east from Montclair to Madison and ends in the Bishop Arts District. It is scheduled from 4-6 p.m.
The party will also be on the radio on Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Poor David’s Pub, 1313 S. Lamar St., Dallas. Gumbo samples, dancing after 7:15 p.m. The 12th annual party with host Jimbreaux of The Cajun Zydeco Music Party, is on KNON-FM (89.3). Tickets are $15 online, and $20 at the door.
For the children, there are events planned at several branch libraries in celebration of Black History Month. Programs are varied, and times also vary from branch to branch. Check with the locations for additional information, or more information is available at dallaslibrary2.org.
Also on Saturday, clowns will perform a Valentine themed program beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Galleria Dallas on Level 3 near the Children's Play Place.
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