01/16/2026
2026 Dash for the Beads
Get ready to Dash for the Beads! This beloved Oak Cliff tradition features a chip-timed 5K run and a fun 1-mile walk that winds through our community and celebrates the spirit of Mardi Gras. The 5K course starts near the Dash for the Beads festival on Davis Street, meanders through scenic Kessler Park, and returns to the festival grounds, offering both a beautiful and engaging route for runners of all levels. The 1-mile walk happens just before the 5K, making it perfect for families and participants of all ages.
The event takes place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and kicks off with registration and packet pickup at 9:30am, followed by a DJ, the Fun Run/Walk at 10:30am., and the 5K start at 11:00am. Afterward, stay for the Go Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade beginning at 1:00pm.
Whether you’re racing, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, Dash for the Beads is a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate community, fitness, and the Mardi Gras season. Laissez les bons temps rouler!