Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026
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.
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
2026 dates announced
Visit the official website > www.shinjumatsuri.com.au
2026 TICKETED EVENTS
Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball
Saturday 22nd August 2026, 6pm - 11pm
The Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball is returning once again and this years theme is ROCK N ROLL! Not just any rock n roll, we’re talking about the birth of rock n roll, from where it all began. Little Richard, Buddy Holly, the Supremes and the King of Rock n Roll – Mr Elvis Presley! Included in their ticket, all guests will receive a welcome drink on arrival, along with a substantial supper served all throughout the evening. Dress code: Thanks to rock and roll, young people worldwide could express themselves through daring clothing styles, eccentric hairstyles, and unusual statement accessories. The non-conformity, leather, denim, and rockabilly fashion of the 1950s expressed the spirit of the music and authenticity of the generation. Rockabilly, ducktails & Teddy Boys. Pencil skirts, bumper bangs & red lipstick.
Think of the movie Grease – with your own individual flare. 18+ event.
Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub, Town Beach, Broome
TICKETS $99
Shinju Matsuri Chinatown Feast
Friday 28th August 2026, 5pm - 9pm
Chinatown Feast is returning to take over the heart of Chinatown! The Chinatown Feast is our starlit Hawker-style dining event with a Kimberley twist. Held in the heart of Chinatown Broome, 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. 18+ event.
Short Street, Broome
TICKETS > $99
Shinju Matsuri Floating Lanterns 2026
Sunday 30 August 4pm - 7pm
Free to attend - lantern kits available to pre-purchase.
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 or at the event. Please note that there are limited numbers available.
Gantheaume Beach
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.
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Adults 18+ $99 TICKETS
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 & 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. 18+ event
Cable Beach, Broome, WA
TICKETS $299
Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub at Town Beach, Broome
We’re excited to offer an exciting program of daily activities for the whole family throughout the festival.
All your favourite free community events are also back and they’re set to be bigger and better in 2026!
Opening Ceremony
Friday 21 Aug, 4–6pm, Town Beach
Festival Hub Opening
Friday 21 Aug, 5–9pm, Town Beach
Shinju Matsuri Float Parade
Sunday 23 August 2026, 3pm - 5pm, Male Oval
Carnival of Nations
Sunday 23 August, 5–7pm, Male Oval
Pets in the Park
Tuesday 25 August, 4–6pm, Festival Hub
Senior Citizens Morning Tea
Wednesday 26 August, 10am–12pm, Broome Civic Centre
Floating Lanterns Matsuri
Sunday 30 August, 3–7pm, Gantheaume Point
Shinju Matsuri Art Awards 2026
Monday 31 August, 6–8pm, Broome Civic Centre
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.
Art Awards Exhibition
Tuesday 1 Sept – Sunday 6 Sept, 10am–4pm, Broome Civic Centre
Festival Finale
Sunday 6th September, 5pm - 8pm, Town Beach
Shinju Matsuri Drone Show
Sunday 6th September, 7pm, Town Beach
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
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
TICKETED EVENTS ARE ON SALE NOW
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.
