What’s On

Shinju Matsuri 2024 Full Event Program

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

Northside Rentals Shinju Opening Ceremony

4pm | Town Beach | Free

Join us at Town Beach to celebrate the official opening of Shinju Matsuri 2024.

Experience a very special Yawuru Welcome to Country, and a selection of performances, before the traditional waking of Sammy the Dragon.

The Opening Ceremony marks the start of our 16-day program of diverse cultural, dining & art events that showcase the unique history & rich multicultural community of Broome.

Sat 17th August

Dahlia Designs Shinju Opening Ball

 6pm | Shinju Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines| $65

A 1920’s Gatsby themed ball playing jazz music inspired by your favourite pop songs.

Keep the festival opening ceremony celebrations going in style by a star-lit Roebuck Bay, with live music, dinner & drinks. Included in their ticket, all guests will receive a welcome drink on arrival, along with a substantial supper served all throughout the evening.

Get ready to dance the night away on our outdoor dance floor with some of Broome’s favourite musicians, keeping the tunes flowing all night long.

Dress theme is “1920’s Gatsby”, think semi-formal with a Broome twist.

Limited tickets are available, be quick!

Sun 18th August

The Roey’s Family Fun Day

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

The Roebuck Bay Hotel Shinju Float Parade

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.

Sun 18th August

HitWA Carnival of Nations

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.

Sun 18th August

Wil Thomas, w. Phoebe Corke

10pm | 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

Mon 19th – Fri 30th August

“Free Women on a Savage Frontier” GUIDED TOUR

10 to 10:45am| SSJG Heritage Centre Broome | $15

In 1908 two Irish Sisters sailed from Beagle Bay into Broome.

The Japanese, Chinese & Filipino communities were essential to their survival.

Join us for a guided tour to learn of this inspirational story set in the roaring days of the pearling industry.

Mon 19th – Fri 30th August

“Sisters, Pearls & Mission Girls” HERITAGE FILM SCREENING

11:15am to 12:15pm | SSJG Heritage Centre Broome | $15

An epic and moving tale “filled with the glow of warm optimism that isn’t often generated by documentaries on this dark subject.”

This is the story of the Sisters in Beagle Bay and in the notoriously wild pearling town of Broome.

Sisters, Pearls & Mission Girls is produced by Rebel Films & shown with approval.

Tues 20th August

Shinju Sunrise Sounds

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

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Chinatown Feast

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

Broome Pearl Grading Masterclass

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

Shui takes Shinju

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

Pearls & Prosecco

 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

Fri 23rd August

Flickerfest Film Festival

 from 6:30pm | 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.

This programme is a specially curated selection of highlights from Flickerfest’s Australian Academy® Qualifying competition programmes in Bondi 2024.

Flickerfest, celebrating 33 years bringing you the Best of Australian Shorts.
‘Everyone’s Invited!’

Indigenous Spotlight Shorts 2024 – 6.30pm
Best of Australian Comedy Shorts – 8.30pm

Sun 25th August

Horizon Power Floating Lantern Event

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

Spinifex Brewery Floating Lantern Hub

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

Shinju Matsuri Art Exhibition & Awards Presentation

  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 Monday 26th August – 1st September, 10am to 5pm daily, with a bar open from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

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

Pets in the Park

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.

Wed 28th August

Bali Hai Resort & Spa Senior Citizens Morning Tea

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.

Wed 28th August

Willie Creek Pearl Meat Cookoff

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

The “Keeping Strong” Film Project

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.

Fri 30th August

Stranded in Style

3pm | Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm | $170

Experience luxury redefined at our ‘Stranded in Style’ event during the Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome.

On August 30th, embark on an unforgettable journey as we whisk you away by boat to a secluded beach.

Upon arrival, our team will warmly welcome you with champagne in hand. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Kimberley Sky as you gather around the crackling fire. Tonight is all about embracing the beauty of being ‘stranded’, so why not adorn yourself with a stunning Cygnet Bay pearl strand or jewellery piece available for your enjoyment.

Join us for a magical evening that will linger in your memories for years to come. 18+ Event

Thurs 29th August

Shinju Sunrise Sounds

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

Matso’s Cable Beach Sunset Cocktail Party

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

Sunset Long Table Dinner

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 a headline chef 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, before finishing the night with a dance in the sand under the Kimberley sky.

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

Roeyfest

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

Lotterywest Festival Finale

5pm | Town Beach | Free

Our exciting 16-day event program builds towards final celebration at the Lotterywest Festival Finale, marking the official ending of Shinju Matsuri 2024.
Returning to Town Beach , the Festival Finale is a dazzling evening of performances.
Get your friends & family together, grab a selection of tasty dishes from our Festival Finale Food Markets & enjoy an evening picnic by Roebuck Bay as we farewell Sammy the Dragon for another year.

Sun 1st September

Broome International Airport & Shire of Broome Drone Show

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

Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub by Nexus Airlines

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.

Shinju Matsuri 2024 is Proudly Supported by: