80th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage
“Join Us for a Sentimental Journey”
April 29 – May 2, 2027
Home Tour Tickets will go on sale on February 1, 2027 Ticket Price: Adults $25, Children $3
With great pride, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club presents the 80th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage, A Sentimental Journey. Jefferson, nestled along the Big Cypress Bayou, welcomes visitors to explore its beautifully restored historic homes, lush gardens, and enduring Southern charm. Join us as we honor Jefferson’s rich heritage while looking forward to a vibrant future.
Jefferson Pilgrimage Events
Home and Garden Tours.
Four historic homes will be open for touring on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Featured homes are House of the Seasons, 409 S. Alley St.; The Bateman-Rowell House, 307 North Vale; The William Clark House, 201 W. Henderson St.; and Blue Bonnet Farm, 759 FM 2208. You will be treated to a history of each home and the families who once lived there by docents dressed in period attire. Garden Tours: Gardens open this year are House of the Seasons, 409 S. Alley St.; the garden of George and Michele Otstott where both the Bateman-Rowell House and The William Clark House are located; and the courtyard of The Excelsior House Hotel, 211 W. Austin St. Garden tours are Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st from 4:30–7:00 p.m. Home and Garden Tour Tickets are $25 for adults and $3 for children 12 & under. Order tickets in advance at www.jefferson-pilgrimage.com/buy-tickets. Online sales begin February 1, 2027. Tickets will also be available at The Excelsior House Hotel Headquarters, 211 W. Austin St., beginning April 30th. Tickets are non-refundable.
Diamond Bessie Murder Trial
The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial kicks off Pilgrimage with the first of five performances beginning on Thursday evening, April 29th, at 7:30 p.m. Other performances of the play are Friday, April 30th, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 1st, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 2nd, at 2:00 p.m.
This captivating drama is based on the true story of a murder and subsequent trial that occurred in Jefferson in 1877. All performances are held in the Jefferson Playhouse at the corner of Market and Henderson streets.
Tickets for the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial are $25 and will go on sale online beginning February 1, 2027. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly advised. Tickets are non-refundable.
Pilgrimage Grand Ballroom Salad Luncheon
Enjoy a delicious lunch on Saturday, May 1st from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the exquisite ballroom of The Excelsior House Hotel, following the Saturday morning parade. Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club members provide and serve the luncheon. Tickets are $25, Children, 10 & under, $10. Reservations are encouraged and may be purchased at www.jefferson-pilgrimage.com/buy-tickets. Online luncheon ticket sales end Wednesday, April 28th. Reserved tickets are non-refundable. Walk-ins are welcome to purchase tickets at headquarters on the porch of The Excelsior House Hotel on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st, as available.
Parade
The 80th Pilgrimage Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st. Various floats, old cars, bands, and re-enactors participate each year to help make this parade truly memorable.
Grand Marshals for this 80th year event will be past presidents of the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club.
Plant Sale
The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club hosts this yearly two-day plant sale on the front porch of The Excelsior House Hotel, 211 W. Austin St., on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. You will find a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials plus special plants and containers perfect for Mother’s Day. This is not your typical plant sale—come prepared to take home unique plant varieties for your garden.
Artisan Craft Fair
Artisan vendors display and sell their wares in William Perry Park, adjacent to The Excelsior House Hotel. Craft Fair hours are Friday, April 30th, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 1st, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 2nd, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Heritage Quilt Exhibit
Enjoy browsing the unique quilts displayed in The First Methodist Church, 305 W. Henderson St., on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. This quilt show is open to the public, free of charge. To enter a quilt for display, contact Sharon Murray at 214-587-2914 or jefferson-pilgrimage.com.
Jay Gould Railroad Car
Enjoy seeing the opulent rooms of this one-of-a-kind rail car once owned by Jay Gould. Located directly across the street from The Excelsior House Hotel, this rail car was built in 1886 for Jay Gould as his personal car used not only for business purposes but also for transporting his family during his travels.
Tour tickets are $8.50 for adults and children over the age of 5. Children under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased in the hotel lobby or online here.
Other attractions
Jefferson is not only a town of rich history but also a town thriving in today’s life. Antique stores and gift shops, clothing stores, the Jefferson Carnegie Library, the Jefferson Historical Museum, excellent restaurants, historic churches, B & B’s, and the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas, The Excelsior House Hotel, are among the many things that keep visitors coming back year after year.
The 80th Historic Pilgrimage Weekend is coming in 2027! Make plans now to attend this fun weekend in historic Jefferson, Texas.
For more information:
Website: jefferson-pilgrimage.com
Email: jeffersonpilgrimage@gmail.com
Excelsior House Hotel: theexcelsiorhouse.com
Email: excelsiorhousehotel@gmail.com or call 903-665-2513.