There are plenty of people who would like to lay claim to having The Greatest Show on Earth, but we're pretty sure Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus would disagree, mainly because they have a registered trademark on the phrase but also because of the longevity of the self-proclaimed, and kid-proclaimed, Greatest Show on Earth. The circus is celebrating its 200th year entertaining audiences with spectacular acrobatics, animal stunts and, of course, slapstick clown humor.
The circus rolled into town yesterday, and you've got plenty of opportunities to see the Sky-High Ice Gliders and the Bionic Brothers from Ukraine perform at the American Airlines Center. Ninety minutes before the show opens, guests can attend the Animal Open House and meet some of the biggest stars of the show -- the elephants, lions and other animals -- before they perform tricks during the main show. There's all the All-Access Preshow which allows attendees to meet performers, get autographs and see the behind the scenes preparation of the performance.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town through Sunday, August 7. This weekend's performance are 7:30 p.m. tonight; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 to $95. Call 1-800-745-3000 or visit ringling.com for tickets and more information.
After the jump, see where all the Potterheads will be this weekend.
Friday Night Drags Every Friday through August 12 at Texas Motor Speedway Hey, all you wannabe street racers (and actual ones), want to get your thrills and not get citations or kill anyone? Yeah, that last bit is probably the most important. In an effort to combat illegal street racing, Texas Motor Speedway is returning with Friday Night Drags. This is your chance to move from the stands at the Speedway to the actual racing strip and flex your competitive muscle. $20 gets you access to the track and a spot in one of the competition categories such as the Street Outlaw Division, Sportsman Division and the Black Smoke Warrior Division. If you win that last one, you get to tell all your friends to refer to you as Black Smoke Warrior Champion from now on. If you don't want to race, there are games and live music before the races starts, and you can watch the action from the stands for $7. Gates open at 6, and the drag racing gets started at 9:15 p.m. Friday Night Drags continue Fridays through August 12. Visit texasmotorspeedway.com.
2011 Legends of Kung Fu Martial Arts Championship Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31 at Plano Centre Presented by the U.S. Traditional Kungfu Wushu Federation and the USA Chin Woo Federation, the 2011 Legends of Kung Fu Martial Arts Championship features the best martial arts competitors and instructors in the country. If you're not a master of Kung Fu or any martial arts discipline, there are plenty of workshops going on all day today and Sunday. The competition portion starts tomorrow with opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. and competition in all forms of martial arts and weapons combat at 2 p.m. Weapons combat? Sounds like the perfect Saturday afternoon to us. A one-day spectator pass is $15, a two-day pass is $30. Various other passes for seminars, the Masters' Demo and more are $15 to $40. Visit legendsofkungfu.com for more information and the complete schedule.
Happy Hour for the Hounds Saturday, July 30, at Zen Bar Austin Ranch Animal Angels, a nonprofit group that rescues large breeds of dogs, as well as horses, donkeys and other animals, is hosting Happy Hour for the Hounds, a benefit at Zen Bar Austin Ranch in The Colony to raise awareness of and money for the organization. From 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy happy hour drink specials, appetizers and raffles for fun prizes. A $15 donation to Animal Angels gets you in the door. For more information, visit animalangelstexas.org.
Harry Potter's Birthday Sunday, July 31, at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park OK, Potterheads, we know you're still mourning the end of the beloved film series, but you can still celebrate one of Harry Potter's biggest milestones this Sunday at Barnes & Noble. Harry Potter is turning 31, and the bookstore is celebrating with Potter-inspired games and prizes, plus butterbeer. Butterbeer! At least Harry's old enough to drink the stuff now, but we're not sure those house-elves can handle the slight alcohol content. Grab the other wizards and head to Harry Potter's Birthday at 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Visit barnesandnoble.com for more information.
