Summer in Montrose: Big Fun, Low Cost

Your guide to making the most this season —without spending much more than your time

June 27, 2025

Whether you’re entertaining visitors, keeping the kids busy, or just trying to enjoy the season without breaking the bank, Montrose is full of free and cheap ways to make the most of summer.

Photo Courtesy of Montrose Summer Music Series

Start with the Montrose Summer Music Series—one of the best free events around. Held on select Friday nights at the Black Canyon Golf Course, it brings nationally touring acts to the outdoor stage. Bring a camp chair or blanket, grab a drink and some tacos from the food trucks, and enjoy the sunset with live music in the background. (And if you’re a fan, make sure to thank local sponsors like Chow Down, Flower Motor, and Alpine Bank—they’re the reason it’s still free.)

The Montrose Water Sports Park at Riverbottom is one of the largest in the state and completely free to use. Whether you want to float, kayak, or just sit and watch the action, it’s the heart of summer activity. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of space to hang out all day.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Montrose

Nearby, Cerise Park offers walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and great shaded areas for a casual outdoor lunch or morning stroll. You can bike all the way from downtown to the river and back with very little road time.

For indoor (and air-conditioned) fun, the Montrose County Historical Museum is only $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for students. Located in the old depot building downtown, it’s packed with local history and quirky finds—great for a break from the sun or a quiet afternoon.

Don’t forget about downtown murals and alley art. Take a self-guided walk down Main Street and through Centennial Plaza to spot dozens of public art pieces. The hummingbird-themed mural just went up on the side of the Daily Bread building—and local artist Jesse Melanson just finished another new piece that’s worth a detour. His work blends vibrant color with intricate detail, and you can check out more of it on Instagram at @jmelart.

Much of this public art is made possible by Montrose DART (Development and Revitalization Team), a city-supported initiative working to make Montrose a vibrant, walkable, art-filled place where people want to spend time—and where local businesses can thrive.

Photo Courtesy of City of Montrose

Finally, when the sun goes down, drive a few minutes out toward the Black Canyon or Shavano Valley Road for easy stargazing. Bring a blanket, lean back, and let the Milky Way remind you that some of the best shows are still totally free.