Special event: Over the Top

No, this isn't Britney Spears' latest tour coming to town. This is the real deal – a good old-fashioned circus. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present OVER THE TOP, an outrageous spectacle where the ringmaster and an eccentric clown compete for control of a magical top hat that brings their fantasy land to life, opening Fri., FEB. 13. Pack up the kiddies and head to Philips Arena to cheer on the real stars of the show: the animals. In this whimsical event, dogs fly, elephants skip and Bengal tigers come face to face with one brave – or should we say crazy – soul. Expect good times and audible awes as the "greatest show on Earth" makes the rounds for its 135th edition. $14-$100. Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 14-15, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m.; Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 21, 3, 7 and 11 p.m.; Feb. 22, noon and 4 p.m. 1 Philips Drive. 404-249-6400. www.ringling.com.