Shinju Matsuri Festival 2025
Dates: Saturday 23rd August - Sunday 7th September 2025
The annual Shinju Matsuri (Japanese for “Festival of the Pearl”) originated from three cultural festivals – Japanese Obon Matsuri, Malaysian Hari Merdeka, Independence Day from British rule in 1957, and the Chinese Hang Seng. Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and romance of Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls when the Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino and Europeans flocked to Broome from the late 1800’s to be a part of this prosperity. This unique multicultural population of pearl industry workers joined with the local Aboriginal people and Europeans to work on up to 400 Pearling Luggers that sailed out of Broome.
Broome’s people and businesses have given generously to show their love of Broome over the 50 year life of the Festival and is a testament to the character and culture of this special place. The volunteer Board of Shinju Matsuri is driven by the community and sees the festival as an opportunity to re-educate and inform the community of the cultural heritage of Broome. Ensuring that education and information is passed on to young people and new arrivals will assure that Broome’s unique and diverse identity is acknowledged and remembered through the generations.
Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community shares this beautiful locale with the world and the people who call it home.
Shinju Matsuri - Broome's Festival of the Pearl - has been an iconic part of the regional WA events program since 1970.
A celebration of Broome's unique, diverse culture and history, via a huge program of events that tantalise all senses sight, sound and most of all taste.
2025 Digital Event Program
What's on at the PASPALEY PEARLS Festival Hub
Our Shinju Festival Hub is located at Town Beach overlooking picturesque Roebuck Bay. We’re excited to offer an exciting program of activities for the whole family.
Festival Hub Bar sponsored by Stone & Wood is open daily from 12-9pm.
Join Matt's Filipino Cuisine open daily from 12pm til 8pmfor a beautiful dining experience at the Shinju Hub
– Fragrant, comforting bowls of Laksa
– Fresh dumplings made with love
– A selection of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks from the bar to complement your evening
Wednesday 3rd September
- 6pm-8pm Latin Jam Night
Thursday 4th September
- 6am-7am Sound Healing with Monique & Anna
- 11am-1pm MAHJONG
- 6pm-8pm - Shinju Matsuri Pearl Quiz Night
Friday 5th September
Saturday 6th September
Visit the official website > www.shinjumatsuri.com.au
EVENTS
Shinju Matsuri Art Awards Exhibition runs Tuesday 2nd September to Saturday 6th September from 10AM - 4PM and Sunday 7th September from 10AM - 2PM. Free entry for all to admire the art pieces entered into this years Art Awards and a chance to vote on the Peoples Choice Award - announced at Festival Finale 7th Sept. Art pieces will be available to purchase. View event details
Shinju Matsuri's Sand ‘n Sounds
Friday 5 September 2025
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join us for Shinju Matsuri’s Sand ‘n Sounds! Guests will enjoy a delicious canape menu designed with local ingredients and seasonal produce, combined with that unique Broome flair. With a drink on arrival in hand, dance the night away to some incredible DJ’s! Dress Code: Cool & Classy beach attire…be prepared to take your shoes off & feel the sand between your toes! 18+ Event
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
TICKETS
Shinju Matsuri Long Table Dinner 2025
Saturday 6 September 2025 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Shinju’s premiere event, the Shinju Matsuri Sunset Long Table Dinner on spectacular Cable Beach. Featuring an exciting menu, inspired by Broome's rich cultural tapestry, will showcase local ingredients & seasonal produce from the region.
This event has sold out.
Shinju Matsuri Festival Finale
Sunday 7th September
5pm - 8pm at Town Beach
Our exciting 16-day event program builds towards final celebration at the Festival Finale, marking the official ending of Shinju Matsuri 2025. Returning to Town Beach , the Festival Finale is a dazzling evening of performances. Get your friends & family together, grab a selection of tasty dishes from our Festival Finale Food Markets & enjoy an evening picnic by Roebuck Bay as we farewell Sammy the Dragon for another year.
View event details
PLUS Shinju Matsuri Drone Show after the Finale
Wrap up the magic of Shinju Matsuri with a breathtaking Drone Show presented by Broome International Airport and The Shire of Broome. Watch hundreds of drones light up the night sky in a dazzling, choreographed display set to a beautiful story by Matt Francis.
End Shinju Matsuri on a high with the Drone Show Finale — a spectacular fusion of technology, storytelling, and sustainability. Held at the stunning Town Beach, this awe-inspiring event transforms the night sky with hundreds of synchronised drones creating vibrant patterns and symbols that reflect the spirit of Broome’s rich multicultural heritage. Bring a picnic, gather your friends and family, and witness this cutting-edge light show as the perfect conclusion to 16 unforgettable days of community, art, culture, and celebration.
Sunday 7th September
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Town Beach, Broome
View event details
PASPALEY PEARLS Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub
Our Shinju Festival Hub is located at Town Beach overlooking picturesque Roebuck Bay. The Festival Hub offers an array of activities, food options, and captivating entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages. Come join us daily, as Town Beach becomes the vibrant hub of Shinju Matsuri, where joy, culture, and celebration come alive against the picturesque backdrop of Broome’s Roebuck Bay. The hub will be open from 11am - 9pm. Stone & Wood Bar (18+) opens at 12pm.
Looking for tours to do while you are in Broome? Need accommodation options?
The Broome Visitor Centre can help can you plan your stay or assist with your tour bookings.
For recommendations and advice - call the visitor centre on 08 9195 2200
Keep a look out for updates about the 2025 Shinju Matsuri Festival on the Shinju Matsuri Facebook page, Instagram and the Shinju Matsuri website.
TICKETED EVENTS ARE ON SALE NOW
Note: Event details may change. Correct at time of publishing.
The below events have concluded for 2025
Shinju Matsuri 2025 - Shinju Opening Ball
The theme for this year's spectacular Opening Ball is Circus Masquerade
Saturday 23 August 2025 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
The Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball is a modern take on the historic Shinju Ball, in our amazing outdoor venue – the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub. Keep the festival opening ceremony celebrations going in style by a star-lit Roebuck Bay, with live music, dinner & drinks. Included in their ticket, all guests will receive a welcome drink on arrival, along with a substantial supper served all throughout the evening. Get ready to dance the night away on our outdoor dance floor with some of Broome’s favourite musicians, keeping the tunes flowing all night long. Dress code is Broome Fancy! With the addition of your finest pearls. Limited tickets are available, be quick!
Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub, Town Beach, Broome
This event has concluded.
Northside Rentals Shinju Opening Ceremony
Saturday 23rd August
4pm - 6pm
Town Beach
Join us at Town Beach to celebrate the official opening of Shinju Matsuri with a special Yawuru “Welcome to Country”, speeches and a variety of performances, before the traditional of Waking of Sammy the Dragon.
This event has concluded.
Shinju Matsuri Float Parade 2025
Sunday 24 August 2025 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Male Oval, Chinatown
Annually, the anticipation builds as Broome gears up for the excitement and festivities of the Shinju Matsuri Float Parade. Whether you actively participate or eagerly spectate, if you're in Broome, you're part of the excitement! A cornerstone of the Shinju Matsuri calendar, the Float Parade showcases the vibrant diversity of the Broome community. The theme for 2025 is "The colourful, pearling capital of Broome"
Floats will be evaluated based on their unique interpretations of this theme, making it a delightful and engaging experience for both participants and onlookers alike. If you have any submission questions, please contact [email protected]. *All applicants must read the terms and conditions before submitting an application* Please head to https://shinjumatsuri.com.au/
This event has concluded.
Southern Cross Austereo - Hit WA Carnival of Nations
Sunday 24th August 5pm- 7pm
Male Oval, Chinatown
Join us for a celebration of diversity & culture via a series of unique immersive performances & cultural displays. Grab your picnic rug & a bite to eat from the line-up of local food vans, before taking in a visual feast for all ages, paying homage to the rich & diverse cultural tapestry of Broome then & now.
This event has concluded.
Kimberley Ports Authority Pets in the Park
Tuesday 26th August 4pm- 6pm
Festival Hub, Town Beach
Head down to our Festival hub with your furry, or not so furry, friends, for a fun afternoon celebrating our favourite family members. Show off your furry, feathered or scaled friend as you strut your stuff together down the Pets in the Park catwalk. No entry forms required, just come along and register your pet on the day. Awesome prizes to be won for best in show, best dressed, most unusual pet, best trick & Broome special pet. This event has concluded.
Senior Citizens Morning Tea
Wednesday 27th August 10am - 12pm
Broome Civic Centre
Our annual Shinju Matsuri Senior Citizen’s Morning Tea is back for another year. Come along to the Broome Civic Centre to reconnect with old friends & meet some new ones, while enjoying a morning tea spread of tea, coffee, scones & jams. With some light local entertainment & a chance to check out the Shinju Matsuri Art Awards Exhibition. This event has concluded.
Shinju Matsuri Chinatown Feast 2025
Friday 29 August 2025 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Chinatown Feast is our starlit Hawker Style dining event with a Kimberley twist. Held in the heart of Chinatown Broome, where the sun sets, and the moon rises on Short St. Tantalise your taste-buds with a selection of dishes from Broome's finest food vendors, while roving performers & live musicians entertain you throughout the evening.
Short Street, Broome
Adult 18+ $85
This event has concluded.
Shinju Matsuri Floating Lanterns 2025
Sunday 31 August 2025 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us for this year's Floating Lantern Matsuri at Gantheaume Point. This enchanting event is free for the entire community to enjoy. With lots of free activities for everyone, bring the whole family down to learn about the incredible history and culture behind this event. If you wish to be a part of the lantern float, we recommend pre-purchasing your lantern kit. You will be able to pick up your kit from the Shinju Matsuri Hub until Saturday 30th August or at the event. Please note that there are limited numbers available.
Gantheaume Beach This event has concluded.
Shinju Matsuri Art Awards Presentations 2025
Monday 1 September 2025. This event has concluded.