You know, it ain't easy to sit here and write a column in a non-air-conditioned office while I sneeze and sniffle my face off. Not that I'm complaining. But, since my allergies are acting up, it could only mean one thing: Summer is here. And what comes with summer? End of school. And what happens at the end of school? Prom.

But if you're not totally down with the idea of dancing to an overrated DJ in your high school's cafeteria, you'll be happy to know that you have a couple other options to consider. There are two proms this weekend, both of which you're invited to (and you don't even need a date).

On Friday the 13th (ooh, spooky), the Vera Project hosts its prom, themed "Unfortunate Mishaps." Revolutionary Hydra headline the show, with Pris (a local pop favorite of mine) and Racetrack opening. And of course there will be dance DJs between the sets should you feel the need to bust a move. (And while you're there, take a look at Vera's new art show, Boombox. It's a group show featuring work by Pars, Nhon Nguyen, Michael Dion Hall, Andrio Abero, and many more, all presenting their own interpretations of a boom box. It's really great.)

The very next night, Saturday the 14th, Graceland is hosting the Gathering, a Dungeons & Dragons-themed evening (hilarious!). The Gathering will have everything your typical high-school prom should, including a photo booth, refreshments, decorations, and the crowning of a prom king and queen. Gatsby's American Dream, KRMTX (Chromatics), and the Blood Brothers supply the evening's soundtrack. Holy cow, I know!

Both proms offer a discount on admission if you're dressed up, and both start at 8:00 p.m.

And what else does summer bring besides overactive sinuses? Skateboarding! (Yes, I know you can skate pretty much the entire year, but give me a break, I needed something to tie it together.) So before you hit Vera's prom, get yer booty out to Factoria Mall in Bellevue (in the east parking lot in front of Big 5, specifically) for Ramps and Amps. DJs spin while BMX and skate pros do a whole lot of tricks that you can't do. The featured athletes include Ryan Nyquist, Dave Mirra, Bucky Lasek (hot-tie), Carey Hart, Kerry Getz, and Caine Gayle. It's free and it starts at 5:00 p.m., so you'll have plenty of time to run home, throw on your prom dress (or tux), and let the rock 'n' roll weekend begin. MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 5:30 pm during DJ No Name's Afternoon Experiment.