Community lots in S. Myshuno are empty during Festivals

I don't know if it's by design or not, but I've noticed that for a while now (I can't remember exactly when), the community lots during festivals appear empty. There are no bartenders, and there are no sims entering the bars. Only once the festivals are over do the lots become populated with people again, and the bartender returns as well.

Does this happen to you too? Is it a bug or is it normal?