Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026
Dates: Saturday 22nd August - Sunday 6th September 2026.
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.
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.
Official website
Digital Event Program
Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub
Welcome to the vibrant heart of the festival – the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub. Open daily 11am - 9pm from Sunday 23rd August to Sunday 6th September. Food available from 4pm.
All your favourite free community events are also back and they’re set to be bigger and better in 2026!
(Check the event program for the full list including live music and activities at the festival hub!)
Shinju Matsuri Art Awards Exhibition
Tuesday 1 Sept – Sunday 6 Sept, 10am–4pm (closing 2pm on Sunday), Broome Civic Centre
Festival Finale
Sunday 6th September, 5pm - 8pm, Town Beach
Shinju Matsuri Drone Show
Sunday 6th September, starts around 7pm, Town Beach (after the festival finale event)
Download a copy of the event program
Download the full event program (pdf)
Get in touch with the Shinju Matsuri Festival team
Keep up with updates about the 2026 Shinju Matsuri Festival on the Shinju Matsuri Facebook page, Instagram and the Shinju Matsuri website.
Note: Event details may change. Correct at time of publishing.
Shinju Matsuri Festival and the Broome Visitor Centre acknowledge Traditional Owners of this saltwater Country and recognises the continuing connection to lands and waters of Rubibi (Broome). We pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.
Broome Visitor Centre
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
