Each year as the dry season draws to a close, Broome lights up in a joyful celebration of its rich multicultural history and pearling heritage. Shinju Matsuri, or “Festival of the Pearl,” is one of Western Australia's most vibrant regional events — a multi-day experience filled with colour, cuisine, performance, and community spirit.
Held annually in late August and early September, the festival has been a cherished tradition since 1970. It began as a way to honour Broome’s diverse cultural communities including Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Filipino, and Aboriginal, all of whom helped shape the town’s pearling industry. Today, Shinju Matsuri continues that tradition, welcoming locals and visitors alike to celebrate Broome’s unique cultural tapestry.
A Spectacle from Start to Finish
Shinju Matsuri opens with a burst of energy and tradition at the Opening Ceremony, where speeches and performances build anticipation before Sammy the Dragon — a beloved symbol of the festival’s Asian heritage — awakens and parades through the crowd, officially marking the beginning of the celebrations.
The festival continues with a dynamic schedule:
- The first weekend includes the Dahlia Designs Opening Ball – a glamorous, ticketed event following the Opening Ceremony, and community favourites the Shinju Float Parade and the Carnival of Nations. The Festival Hub at Town Beach also opens for the duration of the festival.
- During the first week, expect community focused events like Pets in the Park (discover the best in show, best dressed, most unusual pet, best trick & Broome special pet!) and the Senior Citizens Morning Tea.
- To start the second weekend, get your ticket for the Chinatown Feast on Friday night.
- The serene Floating Lantern Matsuri rounds out the second weekend, taking place on Sunday afternoon.
- During the second week, enjoy the Art Awards and Exhibition, the Willie Creek Pearl Meat Cook-Off, and the Sand ‘n’ Sounds event on Cable Beach on Friday.
- Wrap up the festival on the third and final weekend with the Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach on Saturday, and a Festival Finale on Sunday at Town Beach.
With a wide range of free and ticketed events, there’s always something to see, taste, or experience — whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another unforgettable Shinju.
Flavours of the Pearl
One of the true highlights of Shinju Matsuri is the food. Broome’s melting pot of cultures shines through in a program of culinary experiences that showcase local ingredients, talented chefs and unforgettable settings.
A standout is the Sunset Long Table Dinner, an open-air banquet set on the sands of Cable Beach. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests enjoy a multi-course menu crafted by a leading Australian chef, paired with premium wines and the sound of waves nearby. It’s a uniquely Broome experience that regularly sells out — so if this is on your must-do list, be sure to book early.
Other culinary favourites include the Willie Creek Pearl Meat Cook-Off, where local chefs compete using one of Broome’s most prized delicacies, and the vibrant hawkers market style Chinatown Feast, bringing together flavours from across the region under a canopy of lanterns and live music.
Culture, Community and Creativity
While Shinju Matsuri is known for spectacle and feasting, at its heart is a deep sense of community and cultural storytelling.
Each year, the program features Aboriginal cultural experiences, from bush tucker tastings and yarning circles to workshops and performances led by local Indigenous artists. Art lovers will also find plenty to explore, with the Shinju Matsuri Art Awards showcasing work from across the Kimberley.
A festival favourite is the Floating Lantern Matsuri — a serene and moving evening where decorated paper lanterns are released into the sea at Gantheaume Point, carrying messages of remembrance, gratitude and hope.
A Great Time to Visit Broome
August and September are among the best times to visit Broome, with balmy temperatures, cloudless skies and a vibrant calendar of events. Whether you're flying in for the week or planning a broader Kimberley adventure, Shinju Matsuri is the perfect reason to visit.
Travel packages are often available during the festival period, making it easy to build a holiday around the celebration.
Planning Your Festival Experience
The full Shinju Matsuri program is typically released mid-year, with major ticketed events announced in advance. If you’re keen to attend the Sunset Long Table Dinner or other popular experiences, it’s best to book early — accommodation in Broome can fill quickly during festival season.
👉 Visit shinjumatsuri.com.au for the latest program, ticketing information, and travel tips.
Shinju Matsuri is more than a festival — it’s a heartfelt invitation to connect with Broome’s past and present, and to join in a celebration as diverse, joyful, and unforgettable as the community itself.
