Events

From a town square filled with history to a variety of quaint shops and historic homes, Kaufman offers the ideal location for spending a few hours, a day or more – any time of the year. Just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Dallas, Kaufman seems a world away from the hustle-bustle of big city life. Here the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in local eateries and shops. “We have great places to eat, shop, and clean comfortable lodging,” said Shayne Larango, of Kaufman.

Steeped in the past that goes back to 1841 when the town began as King’s Fort, Kaufman today offers a unique mix of viewing the past while enjoying modern conveniences. The historic square’s history is documented with historical markers and tours are available by contacting the Kaufman Chamber of Commerce.

Texas Republic President Sam Houston spent time in the community in the 1840s. In addition, Kaufman’s City Cemetery is a treasure trove of links to the past, including the burial site and monument of a Veteran of the Texas Revolution. Historical architecture buffs will want to check out the historic structures downtown and the stately residences on Houston Street as well as a couple of church structures that date back to the 1800's.

The city is also home to the Kaufman County Poor Farm, an endangered historic Texas landmark. Located off of Texas Highway 34 and Farm to Market Road 1388, the Poor Farm was established in 1883 and is the only one in the United States still owned by a county. Visitors should call ahead to make arrangements. Several structures remain on the acreage that has served as a home to indigent residents, jail inmates and transients over the decades. It still houses a 360-degree folk art mural painted by a trustee in the 1930's, and a community garden was started in 2014.

On a more modern but still historic note, Kaufman honors our many Veterans at the County Veterans Memorial Park. The location includes the largest replica of the original Vietnam Memorial Wall located in Washington, D.C. The wall is 80 percent the size of the memorial in the nation’s capital and offers a striking but somber reminder of the price of war.

For visitors wishing to combine a visit with a special event, Kaufman has year-round enticements to provide family fun while taking in the community’s ambiance. The Fourth of July Parade and Firework Show, the Kaufman Oktoberfest, Halloween on Houston and Christmas on the Square, are our long standing annual events in Kaufman.