Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026
Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026
Dates: Friday 21st 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 fifty 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.
TICKETED EVENTS ARE ON SALE NOW
Note: Event details may change. Correct at time of publishing.
Digital Event Program
Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub
Welcome to the vibrant heart of the festival – the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub. As the central pop-up venue for the entire 17-day extravaganza, Town Beach brims with non-stop excitement. 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. Open daily 11am - 9pm until Sunday 6th September. Food available from 4pm.
Official website
Visit the website > www.shinjumatsuri.com.au
2026 Ticketed Events
Matso's Broome Brewery Sand ‘n Sounds
Friday 4th September 2026, 5pm - 10pm
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.
Where? Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Adults 18+ $99 TICKETS
Flickerfest 2026
Friday 4th September 2026, 6:15 pm and 8.30pm start times.
Celebrate the most innovative, provocative and wildly entertaining short films the world has to offer at Australia’s leading Academy Awards and BAFTA qualifying short film festival at Flickerfest Broome on Friday 4th September. Book here
Where? Sun Pictures, Broome
Shinju Matsuri Sunset Long Table Dinner
Saturday 5th September 2026, 5pm - 10pm
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 and seasonal produce from the region. Shinju guest chef Arrnott Olsen will be here, working alongside Executive Chef Chamalou Talip to create an amazing menu. Enjoy live entertainment from musicians and 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. Seating requests are not guaranteed. 18+ event
Where? Cable Beach, Broome, WA
TICKETS $299
ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
All your favourite free Shinju Matsuri community events are back 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
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.
Supporters
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.
These events below have now concluded.
Opening Ceremony presented by Paspaley Pearls. Friday 21 August
A Walk with the Giants presented by Pigram Productions. Friday 21 August,
Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball, Saturday 22nd August
Shinju Matsuri Float Parade, Sunday 23 August
Carnival of Nations. Sunday 23 August
Pets in the Park, Tuesday 25 August
Senior Citizens Morning Tea. Wednesday 26 August
Shinju Matsuri Chinatown Feast, Friday 28th August
Checkers N Cheese Night, Friday 28th August 202
Shinju Stampede (Speedway), Saturday 29th August
Lions Dragon Boat Regatta, Saturday 29th August
Mabu Nurlu Buru (Good Song Country), Saturday 29th August
Shinju Matsuri Floating Lanterns, Sunday 30 August
Floating Lanterns Matsuri, Sunday 30 August
Shire of Broome presents Shinju Matsuri Art Award Presentation, Monday 31 August
Pearl Meat Masters 2026, Wednesday, 2 September
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
