ÎleSoniq tightens bag policy to transparent-only five days before festival
The electronic music festival restricted bags to transparent ones no larger than 30 by 30 by 23 centimetres, sparking backlash from ticketholders who say they can't buy new bags in time.
Sources · local media reports
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ÎleSoniq announced Monday evening it would restrict bags on festival grounds this weekend to transparent bags no larger than 30 by 30 by 23 centimetres, only five days before the festival begins on August 8. The last-minute change has upset ticketholders who say they now need to purchase new bags at the last minute, with many online retailers unable to guarantee delivery before the event starts.
The festival initially posted the policy change on Instagram before sending an email to festivalgoers. Almost immediately, the post racked up thousands of angry comments. Following backlash, ÎleSoniq modified the policy to allow all non-transparent hydration bags on the ground, provided they are empty upon entry, and to allow medical bags, accessibility-related bags, child-care bags, and other essential items if they stay within the maximum permitted dimensions.
Three weeks prior, attendees had been notified that smaller, non-transparent bags or fanny-packs with a maximum dimension of 23 by 15 by 10 centimetres would be allowed. Organizers say the change was made to speed up entry to the site and promote safety. One commenter noted that Osheaga, which took place at the same venue just one week earlier, permitted small opaque fanny packs—raising questions about why ÎleSoniq adopted a significantly more restrictive policy. Since the announcement, a Facebook group opposing what members call "ÎleSoniq's abusive rules" has garnered over 150 members, with many stating they have filed complaints with the Office de la protection du consommateur, Quebec's consumer protection agency.
Will the festival offer refunds or compensation to ticketholders who had to buy bags on short notice?
Why was Osheaga, which used the same venue a week earlier, allowed to permit small opaque fanny packs but ÎleSoniq adopted a more restrictive policy?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
Before you go
When is ÎleSoniq taking place?
ÎleSoniq begins on August 8, 2026.
What bags are allowed at ÎleSoniq?
Only transparent bags no larger than 30 by 30 by 23 centimetres are permitted on festival grounds. ÎleSoniq also allows non-transparent hydration bags if empty upon entry, as well as medical bags, accessibility-related bags, and child-care bags within the maximum dimensions.
