Step right up: the Big Apple Circus is back for its 42nd season, and it’s destined to be their most epic experience to date. Featuring thrilling new acts, updated dining options, and mesmerizing set design, the magic of Lincoln Center’s signature fall/winter attraction has never shined brighter.

This season’s spectacle kicked off with a grand opening hosted by celebrity ringmaster Neil Patrick Harris, who even executed a circus act of his own on a hamster wheel. Each performance is led by Storm Marrero, a powerhouse Afro-Latina singer/songwriter that brings energy and charisma to the stage. The show also highlights a variety of jaw-dropping acts: The Lopez Troupe on the high wire; comedian Amy Gordon; The Aliev Troupe, a group of acrobats specializing in aerial acrobatics and Russian barre; and Hovey Burgess, a 79-year-old comedic acrobat who doubles as an NYU and Julliard professor. The Savitsky Cats—known for appearing on America’s Got Talent in 2018–are also making their New York debut, starring family members Svitlana, Marina, Misha, and their talented ten cats.

This season, the circus is partnering with the biggest names of the New York City restaurant scene to enhance the pre-and-post-show, including Wowfulls, Cookie DŌ, Magnolia Bakery, and Chloe’s Fruit. Wowfulls serves up 1950s-style Hong Kong egg waffles, including their signature waffle with vanilla ice cream, kettle corn, and cotton candy. DŌ features ready-to-eat cookie dough cups, available in chocolate chip, cotton candy sugar rush, and caramel popcorn crunch; circus-goers will be able to purchase a take-home box of all three flavors as well. Magnolia Bakery is the circus’ exclusive birthday cake provider throughout the run, and they also serve up their popular confetti cupcakes, topped with rainbow popcorn, to the public. Chloe’s Fruit transformed their traditional fruit pops in honor of the performance, dipping each treat in circus-themed toppings.

Big Apple Circus boasts an expansive beverage menu as well. This year, all craft beer served will be sourced from local breweries and cideries, and Brooklyn-based Q Sodas will provide non-alcoholic drinks for younger attendees. The mixed cocktail menu is inspired and created by New Yorkers themselves: Tinsley Mortimer of The Real Housewives of New York City inspired an “Apple-Tinsley-Tini” with vodka, apple, lime, elderflower, and tonic; Julie Reiner--owner of NYC eateries Clover Club, Pegu Club, and Leyenda--created “Julie’s 3 O’Clock Spritz” with gin, lemon, aperitivo, and sparkling wine; Bronx native Selenis Leyva, from Orange Is the New Black adds to the menu “Selenis’ Spiced Margarita” with tequila, lime, watermelon, and a spice rim; Carla Hall from Top Chef and The Chew contributes a non-alcoholic option of “Carla’s Sweet Tea Soda” with tea, lemon syrup, soda and mint; and Marrero concocted a “Perfect Storm” cocktail with Tullamore DEW, bitters, and sugar.

With a myriad of updated acts and amenities this season, Big Apple Circus is surely a spectacle to remember.