What’s Cookin’ in The Cliff This Weekend?

Because this is your last weekend to indulge before Lent, I’d advise you to enjoy your freedom and debauchery while you still can. On this weekend’s run-down of events, I’ve got themed Mardi Gras fun as well as more low-key options. Either way, there’s bound to be something that appeals to you here…enjoy and be safe this weekend!

In this week’s paper, former People Newspapers employee Peter Simek reviews thriller John Dies at the End. You can catch the film before or after you read his review, at the Texas Theatre at 5 and 7:15 p.m. tonight (also Saturday). The movie that inspired John Dies at the End, Phantasm is playing at 11:30 p.m. tonight and again tomorrow at 9:30 p.m.

Dallas music-scene regular Rahim Quazi will take the stage at Bar Belmont at 7 p.m. tonight.

I don’t know much about Austin-based eccentric band White Ghost Shivers, but judging from their name and this video, I’d bet they put on an entertaining show. They’re playing the Kessler Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Dallas-based “roots-rockers” Somebody’s Darling opens.

If you’d like to meet me or almost every other member of our staff, come out to Kidd Springs Park Saturday morning for the Dash for the Beads. The race starts at 9 a.m., and we’ll have a booth up, so swing by and say ‘hi – ‘ we’d love to meet you!

More events after the jump!

Self-proffessed “Guybrarian” Peter Coyl will be discussing the Stonewall Book Awards at the North Oak Cliff Library at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Continuing in the Mardi Gras festivities, the Kessler Theater is hosting its “OCarnivale Masquerade Ball” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, which gives you plenty of time to run (see above) and then freshen up for the dance.

Padilla Gallery is celebrating it’s fifth anniversary with a party at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Jazz musicians David Benoit and Paul Taylor are performing two shows at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center Saturday. The 7 p.m. is already sold out, but you can still get tickets for the 9:45 show here. Complimentary cocktails with the artists will be provided.

On Sunday, Bishop Dunne is hosting an open house at 2 p.m.

Wrapping up the weekend’s Mardi Gras festivities, the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday and will travel from Winnetka Heights to the Bishop Arts District.

If you didn’t catch it on Friday or Saturday, John Dies at the End is playing again at Texas Theatre at 5 p.m., followed by Phantasm at 7:15 p.m.