Curious about romantic things to do this weekend in Portland? Check back every Thursday to read about a romantic event happening this weekend in the City of Roses. If you know of an event you feel should be featured on PDX Romantic, send an email to events@pdxromantic.com with the details of the event.

There’s something about fireworks that makes me want to cuddle. I don’t know what it is. There’s just something about the combination of a lit up night sky, my sweetie in my arms, and loud booms that make me feel like a kid who just found his favorite baseball card. If you don’t know what it’s like to find your favorite baseball card, just imagine a very happy kid smiling ear to ear.

That’s why I’m so excited for this week’s Romantic Thing To Do. The Rose Festival Foundation puts on a fireworks show every year to kick start the Rose Festival in the Portland, Oregon. And every year it’s a toss up between what I want to see more, the fireworks this Friday or the dragon boat races a couple of weeks from now.

Both events remind me why I love living in Portland. So that you can enjoy the start of the Rose Festival as much as I do, here are details of the romantic thing to do this weekend in Portland.

Details:

• Event: Rose Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks
• Dates: Friday, May 28, 2010
• Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
• Location: Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Cost: Free
• More Info: Rose Festival Events

As with everything we do here on PDX Romantic, our goal is to make it easier for you to be romantic. So to compliment this occasion, make sure you do all of the following:

Dress Warm

It’s supposed be in the low 50′s (that is, if we trust the weather forecast). Staying warm is only the beginning of a fun and comfortable evening.

Arrive early

Arrive a little early and grab a spot on the Eastbank Esplanade. It can get crowded pretty quickly and you don’t want to end up leaning against the base of a tree with branches obstructing your view. (Trust me on this one.)

And if you’re too early (not usually my problem), you can take a leisurely stroll and look at all of the beautiful sculptures and artwork. Portland is a creative city and the art you see along the esplanade is just a sample of the wonderful art that can be found around the city.

Take a blanket

Layout a comfortable blanket and bring some light snacks. Do you know the next best thing to laying down on a blanket next to your sweetie? Laying down on a blanket next to your sweetie with fireworks overhead and a full belly.

Cuddle

Need I even mention this? This is a given. Similar to how screaming on roller coasters make it more fun. (My sister was right, it totally works. My screams are very manly though, more like grunts.) Cuddling while watching fireworks makes those same fireworks much more enjoyable. As you watch the fireworks with the city in the background, having your sweetie in your arms makes for a wonderful romantic night.

And tell the fireworks to spell out your partner’s name. I don’t think fireworks have ears, but it’s worth a shot.

Stay Romantic.

Related posts:

1. Rose Festival Waterfront Village
2. Dragon Boat Romance