Parades on brick streets, candlelit homes, cannon fire, cryptid researchers, and fireworks over the bayou. Use this year-round calendar to choose your weekend—and your room—before Jefferson fills up.
Jefferson's beloved Mardi Gras celebration — parades, balls, food and arts vendors, live music, and the full purple-green-gold spectacle. One of the most festive weekends in East Texas.
Plan around this eventOver 79 years of tradition — Historic Homes and Twilight Garden Tours, Jay Gould Rail Car Tours, an Artisan Craft Fair, a quilt exhibit, plant sale, Saturday parade, and a luncheon. Jefferson's signature spring event.
Plan around this eventThe largest Civil War reenactment in Texas — two epic battles staged at Cypress River Ranch on Big Cypress Bayou, featuring cannon fire, infantry and cavalry, period sutlers, the Muskets & Magnolias Grand Ball, a Pilgrimage Parade, and Sunday church service.
Plan around this eventFree Independence Day celebration along the bayou — children's parade, cake and pie auction, live music from the Shreveport Metropolitan Band, and fireworks over Big Cypress Bayou.
Plan around this eventJefferson's paranormal heritage celebrated over a full conference weekend — speakers, investigations, and tours through the most haunted locations in one of Texas's most spirited towns.
Plan around this eventThe original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas, established in 2001. Jefferson proudly bills itself the 'Bigfoot Capital of Texas.' Two days of speakers, field researchers, and evidence displays at the Jefferson Tourism & Visitor Center. Friday evening dinner followed by Saturday presentations.
Plan around this eventJefferson's historic district transforms for the holidays — decorated Victorian homes, candlelight tours, shopping, and the charm of a 19th-century Christmas town.
Plan around this eventConfirmed and reviewed
Aug 8
Jefferson's 4th Annual Civil War Symposium August 8, 2026 - 8:00am-5:00pm All you History buffs! A whole day of presentations, exhibits, vendors, silent auction, raffle and more; with focus on Jefferson and the surrounding areas and the part they played in this unique time in our country's history. Friday evening Speakers Reception (6pm-7:30pm): $25.00 includes refreshments & light hors d'oeuvres at the Excelsior House Ballroom Saturday Seminar & Lunch: (8:00AM -5:00PM)Adults $75.00, Students: $35.00 ( includes catered lunch) Registration at the door: $80.00 (lunch not guaranteed) Registrants will also receive free admission to the Jefferson Historical Museum Location: Saturday - Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E Austin St., Jefferson Tx Registration Information: contact Museum at 903-665-27
Official detailsSep 5
Indoor Art Walk *Saturday, Sept 5th, *11am-5pm 'Sip, nibble and walk your way through the local businesses in downtown historic Jefferson'. Meet and mingle with many amazing artists from this area who will be delighted to share their pottery, photographs, paintings, jewelry, and other inspiring creations with you.
Official detailsSep 18–20
Oct 17
Oct 18
Dec 3–5
Annual Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Experience the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas during the Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes in charming historic Jefferson, Texas. View four lavishly decorated historic properties decorated in the soft glow of candlelight. The fragrance of fresh fir trees, each glittering with tinsel, ribbon, and sparkling glass balls, wafts through rooms filled with sumptuous holiday decorations. Women in lovely hooped gowns and gentlemen in top hats and tails describe each home's origins and finery. First Weekend of Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Days and Time of Tours: Thursday, Dec. 3 - 3 pm - 7 pm Friday, Dec. 4 - 4 pm - 8 pm Saturday, Dec. 5 - 4 pm - 8 pm Second Weekend of Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Days and Time of Tours: Thursday, Dec.
Official detailsDec 10–12
Annual Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Experience the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas during the Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes in charming historic Jefferson, Texas. View four lavishly decorated historic properties decorated in the soft glow of candlelight. The fragrance of fresh fir trees, each glittering with tinsel, ribbon, and sparkling glass balls, wafts through rooms filled with sumptuous holiday decorations. Women in lovely hooped gowns and gentlemen in top hats and tails describe each home's origins and finery. First Weekend of Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Days and Time of Tours: Thursday, Dec. 3 - 3 pm - 7 pm Friday, Dec. 4 - 4 pm - 8 pm Saturday, Dec. 5 - 4 pm - 8 pm Second Weekend of Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® Days and Time of Tours: Thursday, Dec.
Official details