@Courtsimz For the flickering, please run a dxdiag and attach it to a post.
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/
Please also let me know whether you have a different monitor cable to test with, or else a different monitor or a TV you could try. It's fine if you don't, but it would be a useful test.
For the cooking and counters issue, try placing them in a wide space, even outside, with no other objects around. If your sims can cook there, then the issue is some object or objects in the kitchen that are getting in the way.
I'm guessing the sims going to the festival without prompting is by design, but regardless, it shouldn't be a problem for long.
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