Shinju Matsuri Festival 2025
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.
Visit the official website > www.shinjumatsuri.com.au
EVENTS
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
TICKETS
Shinju Matsuri Float Parade 2025
Sunday 24 August 2025 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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/
Male Oval, Chinatown
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
TICKETS >
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
BUY LANTERN KITS $20 EACH
Shinju Matsuri Art Awards 2025
Monday 1 September 2025
Calling all Kimberley Creatives! The Shinju Matsuri Art Awards are open to bona-fide Kimberley Residents and will be exhibited at the Broome Civic Centre. Inspiration can be drawn from Shinju Matsuri and the history and cultural diversity of the Kimberley.
Broome Civic Centre, Broome, WA
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. Enjoy entertainment by local & touring musicians & performers throughout the evening, before finishing the night with a dance in the sand under the Kimberley sky. Please note: For a preferred seating arrangement with fellow guests, we recommend booking your tickets together. In the event that you are unable to secure tickets together, please reach out to event organisers at least two weeks before the event date via [email protected] to convey your seating preferences. We will do our best to accommodate, however seating requests are not guaranteed.
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Adults 18+ $299
TICKETS
Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines
Our Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines is located at Town Beach overlooking picturesque Roebuck Bay. We’re excited to offer an exciting program of daily activities for the whole family.
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.
