Discover Shinju Matsuri

Broome’s Festival of the Pearl

Every August, Broome comes alive with colour, culture and celebration as Shinju Matsuri - the Festival of the Pearlreturns to the Kimberley coast.

For over 50 years, this iconic event has honoured Broome’s rich pearling history and vibrant multicultural community. Blending ancient tradition with contemporary creativity, Shinju Matsuri is a joyful tribute to the town’s Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Aboriginal heritage - woven together in one unforgettable festival experience. www.shinjumatsuri.com.au

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, Shinju Matsuri offers something new to discover every year. Wander through lantern-lit streets, indulge in unique dining events under the stars, and feel the rhythm of Broome’s cultural heart through live music, art, storytelling and dance.

The most well-known event on the program is the Sunset Long Table Dinner, a breathtaking dining experience set on Cable Beach. Guests are treated to a curated menu by some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, with the Indian Ocean as the ultimate backdrop. It’s an evening of elegance, local produce and warm conversation, all wrapped in Broome’s golden glow.

Signature experiences also draw visitors from all over the world, with past highlights including sold-out feasts in Chinatown, the beachside Sand ‘n Sound party at sunset, and the reflective beauty of the Floating Lantern Matsuri. But it’s the deeper connection to place, people and culture that makes this festival truly special.

Community lies at the soul of Shinju Matsuri. From the iconic Float Parade featuring local schools, businesses and performers, to laid-back family-friendly events at the Festival Hub, there’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to join in.

Each element of the program - whether it’s contemporary art or traditional dance, a roving food stall or a fine dining eventtells a story of Broome: its resilience, its diversity, and its spirit of celebration. Visitors often say it feels like coming home to something they didn’t know they were missing.

Held during one of the best times of year to visit, Shinju Matsuri invites travellers to experience Broome at its most vibrant. Pair your festival adventure with a trip to Gantheaume Point, a sunset camel ride, or a scenic journey through the Kimberley’s stunning pindan and turquoise landscape - where nature’s contrasts leave a lasting impression.

Dates for 2026 will be announced in late 2025, but the festival traditionally runs across late August into early September.

For those planning a trip to Broome, this is the event to mark on your calendar.

With an ever-evolving program and unforgettable atmosphere, Shinju Matsuri continues to inspire wonder, connection and celebration. Come for the stories. Stay for the feast.

Plan your journey to the Festival of the Pearl – and experience the magic of Broome. Visit shinjumatsuri.com.au

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