Summer — wasn't that fun? Believe it or not, dear readers, we are hurtling toward autumn. The trees will start changing soon. Those shorts will magically transform into corduroy pants. The sunscreen in your car will be replaced by a shovel and an ice scraper. Gird your loins, because the cold months are a-comin'.

So this weekend let's all bid adieu to summer in style with The Black Party. It's a worldwide tradition at this point, with clubs amping up their DJs, packing the dance floors, and expecting all patrons to wear appropriate mourning garb (meaning, you should dress all in black — your most stylish black, that is).

Locally there are at least two Black Party gatherings this weekend, both on Sunday, September 2 (don't worry — Monday is Labor Day, so you can party like it's Saturday night). Tilt Nightclub & Ultralounge (444 Central Ave.) will host its version 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Formerly local DJ Jon Herbert returns from NYC for this show, and you can expect drag performances and drink specials. Cover is $5 for 21 and over, $15 for 18-21. Limited-edition VIP passes run $20-$30 and include guaranteed seating, line-jumping privileges, and other perks.

Meanwhile, 140 Alex (140 Alexander St.) will host its Black Party 9 p.m. to close. There will be tunes by DJ Henry and performances by drag divas Mercedes Sulay and Vanity Faire. The whole affair is hosted by Rochester's "Queen of Mean," Poison Waters (who is really pretty funny).

Check Facebook for details for both events, and if any other area venues are hosting a Black Party, post them to this article at rochestercitynewspaper.com.