The Shinju Matsuri Festival 2026
Broome has a rich, vibrant art scene, with local galleries, special exhibitions, and various events throughout the year for every type of discerning art lover. But the crown jewel of the Broome arts and festival scene is the Shinju Matsuri festival. And in 2026 it’s back and better than ever.
The history of Shinju Matsuri
The Broome Shinju Matsuri, or Festival of the Pearl, has been running since 1970. It originated as a celebration of the safe return of pearl divers to shore, translated through the lens of the multicultural melting pot that made up the town. Since then, it has only grown more popular, now existing as one of Broome’s greatest cultural attractions.
When is it?
The Shinju Matsuri runs annually during the dry season throughout two fun-filled weeks. The 2026 Shinju Matsuri festival will run from Friday the 21st of August to Sunday the 16th of September.
Shinju Matsuri Related activities in Broome
The Shinju Matsuri is a Broome institution, and there are many fun and exciting activities to see and do during the course of the festival. There’s a wide variety of activities for both young and old, so everyone will find something that interests them.
Shinju Matsuri Opening Ceremony
When: Friday 21st of August
Where: The Festival Hub at Town Beach
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: Free
The Shinju Matsuri Opening Ceremony is always a big event for Broome’s cultural calendar. Held at Town Beach, the event kicks off at 4pm on Friday the 21st of August and is free for everyone to attend.
Starting with a special Yawuru Welcome to Country, to welcome visitors from far and wide to land on which the event is held, it features a selection of performances long into the night. The opening culminates in the traditional waking of Sammy the Dragon (skilfully guided by a team of Broome dancers).
While you’re there, you can enjoy music, dancing, food and a great chance to connect with the community. It’s a great way to kick off the festivities for the weeks ahead.
Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball
When: Saturday 22nd of August
Where: The Festival Hub at Town Beach
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Cost: $99.00 per ticket
The Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball is returning again in 2026, this time featuring the theme of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This means getting your blue suede shoes on and dressing up like music icons such as Little Richard, Buddy Holly, The Supremes and Elvis Presley!
When you buy a ticket to this adults-only event, you get a drink on arrival and a substantial supper to keep you going into the night. You’ll also get to enjoy a live performance from Blue Suede Cadillac, an old school rock ‘n’ roll band. This really isn’t an event to be missed.
Shinju Matsuri Float Parade
When: Sunday 23rd of August
Where: Male Oval, Chinatown
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: Free
This iconic parade has been a key part of the Shinju Matsuri festival since its earliest days, paying homage to Broome’s vibrant cultural background. It features a vast array of bright and colourful floats with extravagant designs that make their way across town.
It’s a true community event, with the floats all being designed and built by local school groups, community groups, and businesses, reflecting the diverse Broome community. The opening Float Parade of the Shinju Matsuri captures the energy, excitement, and pure fun of the festival.
Carnival of Nations
When: Sunday 23rd August
Where: Male Oval, Chinatown
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: Free
The Carnival of Nations is an event designed to celebrate Broome’s diversity and the different cultures that come together. It’s full of various immersive performances and cultural displays to watch and enjoy while you’re there.
It’s a great chance to bring a picnic blanket and sample the delicious meals from the local food vans. You can have your fill while you’re taking in the various exhibits and appreciating Broome’s rich cultural tapestry.
Pets In The Park
When: Tuesday 25th of August
Where: Festival Hub, Town Beach
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: Free
The 2026 Shinju Matsuri features the return of Pets in the Park. This event gives you an opportunity to celebrate the festival with your beloved pet.
You get a chance to bring your furry friend and let them show off to everyone else on the catwalk. All kinds of pets are welcome and this is a great event for the whole family to enjoy together.
Senior Citizens Morning Tea
When: Wednesday the 26th of August
Where: Festival Hub
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: Free
The Shinju Matsuri Senior Citizen’s Morning Tea is back in 2026 at the Festival Hub in Town Beach. This event gives seniors a great opportunity to meet with old friends as well as make new ones, all while enjoying some delicious baked goods with hot beverages.
But in addition to company and nice spread, there’s also entertainment to keep things lively. The lineup includes bingo games, kids choir, live music, and competitions with exciting prizes for the winners.
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Presents: Chinatown Feast
When: Friday the 28th of August
Where: Short Street, Chinatown
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $99 per ticket
Held in the heart of Broome’s Chinatown, the Chinatown Feast is a Hawker-style dining event with a Kimberley twist. It gives you the opportunity to sample some of Broome’s signature dishes, all while you get to listen to live music and watch various performances in a festival atmosphere.
The ticket to this adults-only event includes a drink on arrival as well as a menu card that outlines all of the different food selections available. This event is a must for foodies or just anyone who loves a good time.
Lions Dragon Boat Regatta
When: Saturday the 29th of August
Where: 90 Robinson St, Broome WA 6725, Australia
Time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: Free to watch or $810 to register a team of 18
The Shinju Matsuri Dragon Boat Races are inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boating that dates back more than 2000 years. Dragon boat racing was originally done as a cultural ceremony in China, designed to bring honour to ancestors, celebrate the community, and mark the changing of the seasons. Nowadays, people all around the world recognise it as a sport and a vibrant and exciting celebration of culture.
The festival brings this ancient tradition to Broome’s turquoise shores as a way to honour this heritage and add to the festivities. The boat regatta features teams of 18 that paddle over a 200 metre course. Each team features 16 people that paddle, one person that steers, and one person playing the drum to keep everyone in rhythm so they can row as a single unit. All of this makes for a very exhilarating spectacle to enjoy on the bay in front of an excited crowd.
If you’re keen to be part of the team, you can register today and start practicing.
Floating Lantern Matsuri
When: Sunday the 30th of August
Where: Gantheaume Point Beach
Time: 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Free, or $20 for a lantern kit
The Floating Lantern event is a free community event that everyone is welcome to attend. Taking inspiration from the Japanese Obon celebration, this ceremony is used to honour loved ones with lanterns drifting on the waters.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase a lantern kit, write their thoughts onto it—whether it’s a personal thought on life, loss, happiness, dreams, or even your favourite song lyrics. Then, as the sun starts to set, participants light their lanterns, and set them free on the tide at Gantheaume Point.
Art Award Presentation Night
When: Monday the 31st of August
Where: Broome
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Free
Everyone is welcome to come along to the Shinju Matsuri Art Awards, where judges will announce which artists have won in eight different categories. With a drink on arrival, explore the bold, the brilliant, and the boundary-pushing artworks in this year’s awards.
The art exhibition itself will stay open daily from 10am-4pm Tuesday the 1st September to Saturday the 5th September and 10am-2pm on Sunday the 6th September so that you can peruse it to your heart’s content. They’ll also announce the People’s Choice Award at the Festival Finale at Town Beach.
If you would like to showcase your art work at the Shinju Matsuri exhibition and gain an opportunity to win a big cash prize award, feel free to register. Applications close August 16th.
Matso’s Broome Brewery Presents: Sand ‘n’ Sounds – Luz Y Groove
When: Friday the 4th of September
Where: Cable Beach
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: $99 per ticket
This year Cable Beach will be getting some Latin grooves for everyone to enjoy. You can enjoy a drink on arrival and have a night full of dancing and delicious canapes while the DJ keeps playing Latin hits by the ocean. Attendees can expect to hear a vibrant mix of Afro, Latin, and Tribal tunes, brought to life with deep rhythms, sun-soaked grooves, and live percussion.
Remember to dress tropical, colourful, or spicy for this adults-only event. Bold prints, warm sunset tones, breezy resort wear, and anything with Latin flair is a big plus.
Sunset Long Table Dinner
When: Saturday the 5th of September
Where: 3695+XW Cable Beach WA, Australia
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: $299 per person
The perfect way to round out the Shinju Matsuri is with a stunning night of good food, good drinks, in a location that’s iconically Broome. Nestled in the sand on Cable Beach, a selection of long (really long) tables are set up. Take your seat, and get ready to indulge at one of WA’s most exclusive dining tables.
The menu changes each year, inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Broome, and driven by the quality local ingredients to showcase what the Kimberly has to offer. Diners can enjoy roving entertainment throughout the night, as you eat and drink as the sun goes down over the horizon. Everyone is welcome to dress in either cocktail or formal beach attire so they can take off their shoes and feel the sand between their toes.
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 hello@shinjumatsuri.com.au to convey your seating preferences. We will do our best to accommodate; however, seating requests are not guaranteed.
Festival Finale Closing Ceremony
When: Sunday the 6th of September
Where: Town Beach
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Free
The famous Festival Finale brings the Shinju Matsuri to a close. It’s an afternoon and evening of performances showcasing the energy, talent, and exuberance of the Broome community.
Featuring market stalls, food vendors, and spaces to enjoy a picnic for the family, it’s not to be missed. The Broome International Airport & Shire of Broome Shinju Matsuri Drone Show will conclude the finale before the ceremonial farewell to Sammy the Dragon. Let’s send Shinju off in style – under the stars with music, laughter and celebration.
Where to stay for Shinju Matsuri
Shinju Matsuri is one of the biggest activities in Broome’s cultural calendar. And as it’s centred around Town Beach, it’s best to stay somewhere nearby to truly immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.
The Continental Hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Town Beach, perfectly placed to make the most of your time here. With a range of comfortable rooms, with space for everyone—from the adventure-seeking individual to a full family—it’s the ideal hotel to experience the 2026 Shinju Matsuri Festival.
So when planning your trip to the Festival of the Pearl, book your room at The Continental Hotel.
