Festivals take place in a space that's not really an official lot but an open area.
Which lot did you change to restaurant ? Is it only one specific lot or any of the lots around the market ?
When sims travel to a festival, they actually travel to a specific lot. In the Spice Market, it is the lot where the Waterside Warble Karaoke Bar is located. I changed that lot into a restaurant. Hope it is clearer!
Did you test if the same would happen with a retail shop ? Would be interesting to know.
I just tried and the bug didn't occur with a retail shop !
I just tested this on my game but it was a different quarter .. romance festival and it was no issue.
Do you travel there after it's supposed to have started or does your Sim live in the area/you're there before ?
