Free circus pre-show gets you close to animals, action

Brace yourself for the Greatest Show on Earth this weekend as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus comes to the River Center for four days of non-stop thrills under the big top. The all-new Boom-a-Ring show is an intimate, interactive spectacle bringing you up close and personal with the live action. Imagine being mere feet away from six white Bengal tigers or watching aerialists walk, fly and jump their way through the air. Even the Wheel of Steel act will leave you questioning the forces of gravity. Bring the kiddies one hour before the show to meet the animals and performers, learn tricks and get a sneak peek of the action before the show begins. Show times vary Thursday, June 26 until Sunday, June 29. Tickets are $14 to $36 and are available through ticketmaster.com.