9 things to do this weekend: I-4 Express to open, Orlando Taco Festival & more

ORLANDO, Fla. — Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

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Take a look at nine events happening this weekend in Central Florida.

1. I-4 express lanes to open

After years of construction, the Florida Department of Transportation said it expects to open the Interstate 4 express lanes this weekend.

The eastbound and westbound express lanes will open at 10 a.m. Saturday.

READ: I-4 express lanes: What you need to know ahead of this weekend

The lanes will be free to use for the first few days they are open. However, they will eventually require electronic toll payments, like E-PASS or SunPass.

To learn more about the lanes, click here.

Video: I-4 Express lanes to be free of charge for first 5 days (Alexa Lorenzo, WFTV.com)

2. Spring Forward Festival

The city of Clermont is preparing to welcome visitors to celebrate its Spring Forward Festival.

The festival is set to take over City Hall Park on Montrose and 7th streets in downtown Clermont from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Event organizers said the free “fun for everyone” festival will be highlighted by food, crafts and live entertainment.

READ: Clermont to offer free ‘fun for everyone’ during annual Spring Forward Festival

Click here for more information about the event.

3. Mardi Gras Paws in the Park

Let the good times roll! The annual Mardi Gras Paws in the Park is happening in Brevard County this weekend.

The event begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Cocoa Riverfront Park.

There are several events planned throughout the day, including pet contests, pet parades, pet adoptions and more.

Admission is free.

To learn more, click here.

4. Orlando Taco Festival

The Orlando Taco Festival is taking place this weekend.

More than 25 restaurants and food trucks will participate in the festival at the Drive Shack on Lake Nona Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday.

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The event will also include a margarita bar, a tequila expo area, hot chili pepper and taco eating contests and more.

General admission starts at $14.99. For tickets to the event, click here.

To learn more about the festival, click here.

5. Orlando City SC vs. CF Montreal

Orlando City will take on Montréal this weekend at Exploria Stadium in the team’s home opener.

The game starts at 1 p.m. Sunday.

This year marks the eighth season in Major League Soccer for Orlando City.

The team has never lost a home opener.

6. Peppa Pig Theme Park opens

The world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park is open this weekend.

The park allows guests to step into the world of Peppa Pig, just steps away from LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Photos: World’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park opens in Central Florida

The Peppa Pig Theme Park is designed specifically with preschoolers in mind.

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Peppa Pig Theme Park (Peppa Pig Theme Park)

To learn more about the park, click here.

7. Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets

The Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets will go head-to-head at the Amway Center.

Tipoff is Friday at 7 p.m.

You can buy tickets here.

READ: Paul McCartney ready to ‘Get Back’ on stage in Orlando: How you can get tickets

8. Indigo Bluegrass BBQ

The Indigo Bluegrass BBQ is taking place this weekend.

The event will be held on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation in Eustis.

The BBQ will feature performances by live bluegrass bands and appearances by North America’s largest non-venomous snake, the eastern indigo.

To purchase tickets to the event, click here.

9. Orlando Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits

You can watch the Orlando Solar Bears take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Amway Center on Sunday.

The game starts at 3 p.m.

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The Solar Bears are in their 10th season of ECHL competition at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center.

Click here to purchase tickets.

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