Life's a Circus on the Bowery

Gentrification has touched virtually every neighborhood in New York City, but some streets have felt its impact more than others. Like, for example, the Bowery, where winos and CBGB have been replaced over the last few years by Whole Foods, condos and DBGB, the latest gourmet restaurant from chef Daniel Boulud.

Next week, you can hang out at one of the chic magnets of "the new Bowery" — The Bowery Hotel — and help raise money for cancer patients, survivors, and the caregivers that help them too. On Tues., June 30, the hotel's stylish Bowery Terrace (pictured) is hosting Big Top at the Bowery, a cocktail party with a circus theme, complete with cotton candy, popcorn, and even trapeze artists and acrobats. And if you think "charity party" means "expensive to get in," the good news is that that tickets to this fun event start at just $125.

That admission price will get you more than just some free drinks and cavity-inducing snacks. You'll also get a great view of the Big Apple's chic set, with a guest list that includes socialites, stylists, and bold-faced names like photographer Patrick McMullan and The Today Show's Hoda Kotb.

Incidentally, this may be the first-ever cocktail party where it's OK to spill red wine and ketchup on your new white party dress. Fortunately, one of Big Top's main sponsors is Madame Paulette, a well known (and often miracle-working) New York dry cleaner.