No matter what your Facebook relationship status says – or what your actual relationship status is – this summer there is only one date that you need to find the love you want. Only one date combines fun, entertainment, and cultural enlightenment with good food, wine, and potential romance…at little to no cost. And did we say it’s outside under the stars? The ans...

No matter what your Facebook relationship status says – or what your actual relationship status is – this summer there is only one date that you need to find the love you want. Only one date combines fun, entertainment, and cultural enlightenment with good food, wine, and potential romance…at little to no cost. And did we say it’s outside under the stars?

The answer: The summer, outdoor, bring-your-own picnic movie/symphony/music event coming to a town near you. With a group or with a special someone, it’s virtually perfect…as long as you have a rain plan.

Regardless of your relationship situation, it’s a night that can’t lose. It’s casual, yet slightly romantic, there’s no pressure, there’s entertainment and booze, and the lighting makes you look fantastic. It’s a great way to meet new people, get back into the dating scene, get some couples time alone or add some spice to a dulled relationship.

And if you don’t see actual fireworks, maybe you can make your own.

When you’re single and trying to meet new people…
Get a group of “influencers” (people who can get people to come to things) and ask all of them to invite their single friends. Not only will you meet new friends, but you might also make a connection. No one will be expecting anything, which is often when sparks are most likely to fly.

When you’re trying to get that specific someone to notice…
Maybe it’s not all new people, but there’s still a bit of unknown in the air. And your coworker’s boyfriend’s best friend from high school has been on your mind since you met him last month. This is the perfect chance to wear the cute new sundress and dazzle him with your caprese salad – without revealing any intentional orchestration…just an orchestra performing the soundtrack to your new romance.

When you’re newly dating...
It’s tough to create the perfect first, second, even third date. This one’s a no-brainer. You know you like the person, and you want to get to know them better, but you don’t want to come on too strong. This is the perfect scene to assess the relationship potential. Plenty of time for talking and getting closer, but, if you’re not feeling it, you can always sit back and pretend to be engulfed by the music.

When you’re lovebirds in la-la land…
Lovers in the honeymoon stage only really want to be around themselves, so what better situation than “alone” in a field of hundreds of strangers they don’t have to talk to? Go. Make out. You kids have fun and be home by midnight.

When you need to spice it up…
Blanket, wine, music, sneaky al fresco make-out possibilities – what more could a couple in need of some spice want? Leave the blackberries at home, get a babysitter if you need to, and get to the park, to park.

When you’re bouncing back…
If you’re getting over heartbreak, sometimes you don’t realize that a night with good friends, good food and drink, good music, and the night sky is just what the doctor ordered. It might not be romantic love, but it will be love, and that’s just what you need.

There you have it. The number one date this summer. Trust us. Look it up, most cities will have many types of this sort of event throughout the summer – and if they don’t? Make your own. Create the menu, pick the place, send the invite, bring the iPod, and get cozy on a blanket. Just remember to bring the bug spray.