Shinju Matsuri 2024 will come alive with an even bigger & better event program than ever before. Celebrating the heritage & history of Broome via a series of gourmet dining experiences by WA’s top chefs, cultural tours, art exhibitions & performances by local & visiting performing artists of all ages.
Sat 17th August
4pm | Town Beach | Free
The Opening Ceremony kicks off our 16-day celebration of Broome’s vibrant culture, as we explore the unique history and rich multicultural tapestry of our community through an exciting array of events!
Join us at Town Beach to celebrate the official opening of Shinju Matsuri with a special Yawuru “Welcome to Country”, speeches and a variety of performances, before the traditional of Waking of Sammy the Dragon.
This event will be Auslan interpreted.
Sat 17th August
6pm | Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines| $65
Keep the Opening Ceremony celebrations going in style, under the star-lit Roebuck Bay, with a 1920’s Gatsby themed Ball and jazz music inspired by your favourite pop songs.
This is a modern take on the historic Shinju Balls of the past, held in our amazing outdoor venue, under a starlit sky, at the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub sponsored by Nexus Airlines.
Included in your ticket will be a welcome drink on arrival, goody bag, $50 Dahlia Design’s Voucher, supper and live music.
Get ready to dance the night away.
Fri 16th August
This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs
5:30pm | Goolarri Amphitheatre | $40
Eleven years on from the first A Taste of Broome, Naomi Pigram-Mitchell leads a team of Broome’s hottest musicians and artists as they pay homage to the artistic giants who have come before.
Join us in a night of song, dance, food and music as we celebrate the storytellers who have paved the way for us.
Naomi was born amongst “the coloured” people full of artistic giants! They were loud, they were proud, and they were masters of their craft. She travelled with them on corrugated roads, through the tides of tastes of Broome and into a Bran Nue Dae.
Now is the time to be brave, to be strong and to be true. Now is the time to speak of where the first taste led us to.
Various Dates
8am | Landmarks of Broome | Various
Join me, Robert Dann with Kimberley Cultural Adventures in the place where I was born for an amazing morning or afternoon 3 hour cultural experience. I will share with you a small slice of 40,000 years of Broome and Kimberley culture!
I promise this culturally rich journey offers something uniquely different with a hands on.
You will learn about:
* Local Aboriginal History
* Pearling History
* Bush Tucker (Local Bush Foods)
* Stolen Generation of displaced Aboriginal people
* Cultural History
You will be visiting local landmarks of Broome, the coastline and the surrounding bush.
Sun 18th August
1pm | The Roebuck Bay Hotel – Oasis | Free
A fun-filled day for the whole family! With activities for kids, cold drinks and great food for the parents, you can enjoy the day outside with your loved ones. Whether it’s taking a break for a refreshing drink or simply enjoying the warm summer weather, there’s something for everyone. So bring the family, disconnect from technology and spend quality time together.
Sun 18th August
3pm | Chinatown | Free
Make sure you’re in Chinatown on Sunday 18th August, to witness the fun, creativity & captivating energy of the Float Parade.
The Roebuck Bay Hotel Shinju Matsuri Float Parade is one of the most traditional events on our program, being part of the festival since the very early days. The stunning array of floats represent the diversity of the Broome community, being created by local community groups, schools, performance groups & local businesses.
“STOP, LOOK, LISTEN!” brought you by the Road Safety Commission WA
This event will be Auslan interpreted.
Sun 18th August
4pm | Broome Mangroves | $100
A natural entertainer you can join Bart and other guides on one of his unique tours of Broome and the Bay and see the country and lifestyle from his unique perspective including Dampier Creek and the rich pickings in the mangrove forests and on the jabalbal (mudflats).
Bart Pigram is a Yawuru man from the West Kimberley region of northwest Australia. Born and bred in Broome Bart has a passion for telling the complete story of life in Broome. Drawing on knowledge gained from living a saltwater lifestyle as well as professional training as a curator Bart started Narlijia Tours in 2015.
Sun 18th August
5pm | Male Oval | Free
HitWA Carnival of Nations, is a much loved Shinju Matsuri event.
Join us for a celebration of diversity & culture via a series of unique immersive performances & cultural displays.
Grab your picnic rug & a bite to eat from the line-up of local food vans, before taking in a visual feast for all ages, paying homage to the rich & diverse cultural tapestry of Broome then & now.
This event will be Auslan interpreted.
Sun 18th August
7pm | The Old Sail Makers Shed | from $30
“Woven stories from a stormy Celtic coastline, all the way to the blood-red dirt of the Kimberley…“
An intimate night of music, featuring The work of West Australian Songwriter, Wil Thomas, with violin accompaniment by Fremantle’s Phoebe Corke. This unique musical and lyrical journey promises to be a Broome night to remember…
Tales of bygone times, in faraway lands, to political gangsters of a country closer to home. History and revolution, love and redemption, Shared here for one night only, in the most iconic building in The Kimberley; The Old Sail-makers Shed, where nothing has changed since old Charlie Bagge shut the creaking door for the last time in the early 1900’s…
The perfect venue for an unforgettable Dry season evening of music and story, featuring two of W.A’s unique original artists, with special guest, Adele Oliver, opening the evening.
Tickets $30.00 presale through SoBroome and Humanatix or $35.00 at the door
Tickets are limited
Photo credit – Shayne Thompson
Various Dates
4pm | Cable Beach Muwarrt | Various
Mabu Buru Tours is an Aboriginal Tourism business that gives an Indigenous perspective to the landscape in and around Broome and introduces guests to the traditional cultural practices of the West Kimberley region. Johani, a proud Karrajarri, Bardi, Nyul Nyul and Yawuru man who was raised in Broome offers a very personal journey that explores Aboriginal culture through Country, nature, history, lore and traditional knowledge.
Mabu Buru Tours will take you on a very personal journey that explores Aboriginal culture through Country, nature, history, lore and traditional knowledge.
Tues 20th August
6am | Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | $37
Monique and Anna are two of Broome’s premiere Sound Healers and they are offering this unique experience out in nature at Town Beach as part of the annual Shinju Festival.
Allow the sounds of the Crystal singing bowls, shakers, chimes, drum, gong, voice, bells & more flow around and through you to clear, align and balance your energy systems. Feel refreshed and energised for the day!
Wed 21st August
5pm | Short St, Chinatown | $85
The Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Chinatown Feast, is returning to take over the heart of Chinatown on Wednesday 21st August
The Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 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.
Wed 21st & Wed 28th August
2pm | Cygnet Bay Broome Showroom | $95
Step inside our Broome Pearling Exhibition and experience the journey of a pearl from our farms to grading table and jewellery workshop.
You will be guided by one of our pearl experts through the visible and invisible virtues of the Australian Pearl in this hands-on experience.
Thur 22nd August
6pm | The Mangrove Hotel | $189
Shui takes Shinju: Leigh Power at The Mangrove Hotel will take you on a culinary journey with a menu paying homage to the pan Asian heritage of Broome celebrated annually at the Shinju Matsuri Festival.
Thur 22nd August
from 5.30pm | Willie Creek Cable Beach Showroom
FREE + Complimentary Sparkling Wine
An evening of bubbles, entertainment and pearls in our stunning Cable Beach Showroom to celebrate the Shinju Matsuri
Various Dates
from 9am | Locations Around Broome | Various
Women’s talk tours of Broome and beyond. Jarndu Ngaank Women’s Talk Tours are an Aboriginal women’s‑led cultural immersion experience that will provide you a better understanding of Aboriginal culture from a senior cultural women Elder’s experience, that you can take back home and share your stories and insights with others.
Pat’s passion to share the intricate nature and beauty of Aboriginal culture from a women’s perspective, teaching tour participants about the sacredness of the land and the deep spiritual connection to it, including the plants, the trees and the animals. Pat walks her talk – she teaches these very stories, protocols and rituals to her children and grandchildren.
Fri 23rd August
from 6:15pm | Sun Pictures Broome | from $20
In celebration of screening an incredible collection of some of our country’s most creative Indigenous talent, both behind and in front of the camera.
Indigenous Spotlight Shorts will showcase nine multi-award-winning films, including local favourites “Marlu Man” and “Pressure & Release.”
These films highlight powerful stories from Broome’s own creative talents, including Zac James, Brooke Collard, and Jodie Bell.
Fri 23rd August
from 8:30pm | Sun Pictures Broome | from $20
This programme is a specially curated selection of highlights from Flickerfest’s Australian Academy® Qualifying competition programmes in Bondi 2024.
Discover the Best Of Australian Shorts, celebrating our unique culture with standout films like “Cold Water” starring Bruce Spence, the comedy “Ashes” with Michael Caton, and “Yeah The Boys,” winner of the Panasonic Award for Best Australian Short Film.
Sat 24th August
4pm | Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | FREE
Join us at the Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines from 4pm for an afternoon of Japanese culture.
Taiko On drummers – demonstration and workshop
Japanese Arts, Crafts & Games
Shuji (calligraphy)
Origami
Koma (toy)
Kendama (toy)
Sun 25th August
4pm | Gantheaume Point Beach | FREE + $20 Kit
The Horizon Power Floating Lantern Event is a free community event.
If you would like to participate in the float we encourage you to pre purchase your lantern kit before the festival begins, as limited numbers are available.
Sun 25th August
4pm | Gantheaume Point Beach
Adult $99 | Child $39
Experience the spectacular Floating Lantern Matsuri in style, enjoying uninterrupted sunset views from our new and reformatted Spinifex Brewery Floating Lantern Hub.
This is a ticketed event for the whole family and includes access to the Floating Lantern Hub, one lantern kit per person, a drink on arrival with a cash bar for the duration of the event & a special menu of Japanese canapes served throughout the evening, with kid-friendly options available.
Child’s tickets for under 17 years old.
This experience is one for the whole family and not to be missed!
Mon 26th August
8:30am | Chinatown | Free
Doug Fong’s Chinatown Tours in Broome are a well-known local experience. These tours provide a unique insight into the cultural history of Broome’s Chinatown, highlighting its vibrant blend of Asian and Indigenous cultures, pearl diving heritage, and the stories that shaped the community.
Doug Fong, a descendant of early Chinese settlers, offers visitors an engaging and personal perspective on the rich history of the area.
The tour typically covers the historic buildings, shops, and lanes of Chinatown, while sharing stories about the people who lived and worked in Broome’s bustling pearling era.
These tours have proven very popular with both locals and tourists looking to explore Broome’s diverse history.
Meeting point for the tour is Chelsea Jade Hairdresser. Limited to 20 people, book your stop today!
This experience is one for the whole family and not to be missed!
Mon 26th August
6pm | Broome Civic Centre | Free
The Shinju Matsuri Arts Awards get more exciting every year with the sheer diversity of incredible talent we have here in Broome. Entering artists are encouraged to find inspiration from Shinju Matsuri as well as the diverse culture, history & people of Broome.
This year’s awards & exhibition will take over the Broome Civic Centre from Tuesday 27th August – 31st August, 10am to 5pm daily, 1st September, 10am to 2pm, with a bar open from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.
Art Awards Presentation, Monday 26th August – 6pm- 8pm
The People’s Choice Award vote will be open throughout the exhibition, with the winner being announced at the Festival Finale on Sunday 1st September at Town Beach.
Tue 27th August
4pm | Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | Free
Head down to our Festival hub with your furry, or not so furry, friends, for a fun afternoon celebrating our favourite family members.
Show off your furry, feathered or scaled friend as you strut your stuff together down the Pets in the Park catwalk. No entry forms required, just come along and register your pet on the day.
Awesome prizes to be won for best in show, best dressed, most unusual pet, best trick & Broome special pet.
This event will be Auslan interpreted.
Wed 28th August
10am | Broome Civic Centre | Free
Our annual Shinju Matsuri Senior Citizen’s Morning Tea is back for another year. Come along to the Broome Civic Centre to reconnect with old friends & meet some new ones, while enjoying a morning tea spread of tea, coffee, scones & jams.
With some light local entertainment & a chance to check out the Shinju Matsuri Art Awards Exhibition.
This event will be Auslan interpreted.
Wed 28th August
from 5.30pm | Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach | $85
The Shinju Matsuri festival favourite, Pearl Meat Cook Off is back with an exciting twist!
Delight your tastebuds as you try a selection of pearl meat dishes from Broome’s best chefs, as they compete for the title of 2024 Pearl Meat Cook Off Champion.
As the current reigning champions of the Pearl Meat Cook Off, Spinifex Brewery has been invited to host the event at their iconic new venue.
Spinifex’s head chef and last year’s winner, Igor Rossi, will now take the place of guest judge, as the competing chefs go head-to-head in what will be a night of fierce competition and culinary excellence.
As gracious hosts, Spinifex will pass on the baton, for the Pearl Meat Cook Off champion!
Delight your tastebuds as you try a selection of pearl meat dishes from Broome’s best chefs, as they compete for the title of 2024 Pearl Meat Cook Off Champion.
With live music, beer and wine tastings, delicious food and of course stunning pearls, it’s bound to be an incredible evening!
Thurs 29th August
6pm | Gimme Gimme Bar, Goolarri Media | Free
7 short documentaries produced by local filmmakers living with a disability.
Presented by Kimberley Supports (KAMS) ‘Keeping Strong’ is an innovative and impactful film making project designed to address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous people living with disabilities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Participants were provided with the tools and skills necessary to share their unique stories through the medium of film, thereby fostering self-expression, community engagement, and public awareness.
Includes a short Q&A session with each of the filmmakers.
All films are captioned and AUSLAN interpreted.
Thurs 29th August
6am | Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | $37
Monique and Anna are two of Broome’s premiere Sound Healers and they are offering this unique experience out in nature at Town Beach as part of the annual Shinju Festival.
Allow the sounds of the Crystal singing bowls, shakers, chimes, drum, gong, voice, bells & more flow around and through you to clear, align and balance your energy systems. Feel refreshed and energised for the day!
Fri 30th August
5pm | Cable Beach | $99
Join us for Shinju Matsuri’s very first Matso’s Cable Beach Sunset Cocktail Party!
Guests will enjoy a delicious canape menu designed with local ingredients and seasonal produce, combined with that unique Broome flair. With a cocktail 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
Sat 31st August
3pm | Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | Free
Dianna Appleby and AJ Moore Kids Interactive Story telling
Storybook reading Lesley Marsh
Tara Gower Dance Workshop
Leanna Shoveler
Olive Knight
Food available from the Fusion Food Truck.
Sat 31st August
5pm | Cable Beach | $299
Indulge in an opulent night dining under the stars at our premier dining event, the Sunset Long Table Dinner on spectacular Cable Beach.
Renowned as one of the most exclusive dining tables in WA, every year the Sunset Long Table Dinner is the most anticipated Shinju Matsuri event.
Featuring a menu curated & delivered by Khanh Ong together with Spinifex Brewing Co. The 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.
Dress Code: Cocktail or formal beach attire…be prepared to take your shoes off & feel the sand between your toes!
18+ Event with allocated seating.
Sat 31st August
from 10am | The Roebuck Bay Hotel | Free
Roeyfest …a celebration of Food, Drink, Art & Music
Join us for a boutique food & beverage festival by day featuring local & guest suppliers showcasing their best, most popular & new release products.
Entertainment, exhibitions & live music throughout the day, all through the venue from Pearlers, to the Sports Bar & Oasis.
Sun 1st September
5pm | Town Beach | Free
Sun 1st September
5pm | Town Beach | Free
We will conclude the 2024 festival on September 1st, with the inaugural Broome International Airport & Shire of Broome Shinju Matsuri Drone Show. This not to be missed event will close the Lotterywest Festival Finale.
The skies over Town Beach will be lit to tell a story of how Shinju came about through the days of the pearling industry.
Sat 17th August – Sunday 1st September
Welcome to the vibrant heart of the festival – the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines.
As the central pop-up venue for the entire 16-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.
Various Dates
all day | Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines | $29.50
Dive into the heart of historic Broome with our Shinju Matsuri Quest, a thrilling combination of a self-guided tour and a geocached treasure hunt utilising some augmented reality.
Using the Clue Keeper platform, participants embark on an interactive journey through Townbeach, solving clues that guide them from one historic location to the next. As you navigate the vibrant precinct, you’ll unlock fascinating stories and hidden gems about Broome’s rich heritage.
When you’re finished you’ll be treated to a complimentary beer, wine or prosseco in the Festival Hub.
Shinju Matsuri 2025 is Proudly Supported by:
