They'll be carrying on this weekend in Oak Cliff – all for a good cause.

With Mardi Gras, it's always good to celebrate early and often.

The inaugural Dash for the Beads 5K run begins at 9 a.m. today in the Bishop Arts district. The pet-friendly event, a benefit for the Light Up Bishop Arts beautification project, also includes a 1-mile walk, street party and costume contest.

A masquerade ball, benefiting the Bishop Arts Merchants Association, will kick in at 8 p.m. in an arts district tent with two bands and Cajun eats and drinks.

And a 50-entry parade with live music will enliven North Bishop Avenue from Methodist Dallas Medical Center to the arts district beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday.

"It should be crazy good," said event organizer Amy Cowan. "There will be all ages and all types."

The number of entries was capped at 50, she said. "To keep it a small, community-minded parade, that's enough."

The advocacy group Bike Friendly Oak Cliff is organizing a parade ride-along open to all.

Want to join in? Meet at Bishop and Canty Street at 1 p.m. Sunday.

What to wear? The group's Web site suggests "tons of orange [the group's official color] and/or use orange decorations.

"Or dress gaudy: Wear party hats/masks or in your own weird interpretation of voodoo/witchdoctor/botanica.

"Everyone should bring some beads to throw at the people lining the streets of this packed and completely cute neighborhood party."

TODAY

9 a.m.: Dash for the Beads at 407 Bishop Ave. in the Bishop Arts District. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. www.dashforthebeads.org/

8 p.m.: Bishop Arts masquerade ball. Tickets are available at the door for $40 or $35 in advance at Indigo 1745, 370 W. Seventh St., and Eno's Pizza Tavern, 407 N. Bishop. www.mardigrasoakcliff.com

SUNDAY

1 p.m.: Bike Friendly Oak Cliff parade ride-along at Bishop and Canty Street

2 p.m.: Parade, North Bishop Avenue from Methodist Dallas Medical Center to the arts district