14 reasons to leave work on time

It's time to put the tools down and head out for epic happy hours, Monday movie sessions and weeknight musicals.

Join for a free night of music at the Bowl

Fend off the midweek slump with a night out at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The MSO will treat audiences to its annual series of free concerts this February. Clear your hump day plans for Journeys and Adventures. From Star Wars to Swan Lake, the blockbuster program is packed with crowd-pleasers. Entry is first in, best dressed – so make sure to clock off in time for the best seats.

See twilight tunes at Fed Square

Commuting from the city? Why not catch a free concert on the way home? For three summer nights, Fed Square will turn into a twinkling stage lit by candlelight. Pull up a picnic blanket and see live music under the stars. Acts include Melbourne R&B songstress Soli, ARIA Hall of Famer Ross Wilson and soulful Māori artist Teeks.

Watch rare screenings at ACMI

Take a night off streaming and see what's on at ACMI Cinemas. Melbourne's museum of images screens classic films all throughout the work week. Think 4K restorations, 35mm film screenings and curated retrospectives. Catch up on the work of revered Australian filmmaker Peter Weir or check out the full schedule.

Catch some rays poolside at the Marriott

There's no need to wait for the weekend. Cool off after work on weekdays with a dip at the Marriott Docklands rooftop infinity pool. Get access with a pool day pass and sip on $12 Aperol spritzes from 4pm to 6pm. Relax on a day bed and soak in the golden hour views.

Bookend your week with cheap comedy

One of Melbourne's longest running spots is still going strong at Spleen Bar, every Monday night. See the likes of Ross Noble, Nina Oyama, Alex Ward, Ben Russell and more for just $12. Over at the Cooper's Inn, a standing Friday night sesh of fresh acts and familiar faces will set you back a mere $22.

Geek out over pop culture trivia

Book the crew in for Monday night trivia at Fortress Melbourne, featuring fun factoids and bizarre brainteasers to keep you on your toes. Book a free table from 6pm for 2 to 8 people. Or head down on board game Wednesday to pick from a huge selection of titles. Hire a board game for $15 or bring a favourite from home and play in The Tavern for free.

Get $7 movie tickets on Mondays

If you finish a little early on Mondays, make a beeline to Cinema Nova. All tickets are $7 before 4pm, so you can catch the latest award-winning flicks on the cheap. Can't get out before 4pm? Evening sessions clock in at just $11 a ticket. Choose a later session and grab a happy hour drink in the Nova Bar from 4pm to 6pm.

Pick up a new hobby

Drained your brain staring at your screen all day? Switch over to your artistic side with a mosaic class at Art Masterclass. You'll learn the ancient craft of Turkish lamp making and take home a one-of-a-kind piece. Choose your own colours and design – traditional or modern – to perfectly suit your style. There's apple tea and Turkish delights to nibble on too. These DIY classes run from 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Score last-minute live show deals 

Halftix has daily discounted tickets for shows across the city. So you could be in for an evening of comedy or theatre, ballet or a musical. Get in before they close at 5pm on weekdays (or 2pm on Mondays) and pick up cheap entry to events at the Comedy Theatre, The Capitol and more. Offers change every day and there's always something new to discover.

Beat the crowds by visiting midweek

Make the most of your office days, skip the peak PT rush and kick on in town at the best Melbourne events. Get tickets to the show stopping production of Beauty and the Beast from Wednesday to Friday or spend your Wednesday evenings at the Summer Night Market, with free entertainment, delicious food and cute pop-up stalls.

Find the best happy hour offers

Knock-off drinks just got a whole lot classier with happy hour in the courtyard at Chancery Lane. Enjoy a $15 glass of Champagne or $6 Moon Dog lager. Snack on $3 Coffin Bay Pacific oysters or a $40 charcuterie plate to share. Nab $14 cocktails at cute subterranean bar The Moat. Or watch the sunset from Fleet Rooftop Bar with a $12 mini martini in hand.

Try yoga in a projection art gallery

Melbourne's premier projection art gallery now hosts immersive yoga experiences. The Lume's Wednesday evening classes run from 6:30pm. Each session offers a different journey, ranging from oceanic bliss to lush green rainforests. Expert instructors from Happy Melon Studios will guide you every step of the way, so beginners are welcome.

Learn an instrument at The Music Gym

Time for a new hobby? Book in for a 45-minute after-work class at The Music Gym. Try group lessons in guitar, piano or voice that end with a jam. Numbers are limited to eight but you can book private lessons if you’re shy. Give it a go with a single one-off lesson or take the plunge and sign up for an 8 week beginner course. No need to drag your axe into town, as all instruments are provided.

Take the ultimate Melbourne spin class

Is your head spinning with spreadsheets and schedules when you leave the office? To clear your head, get your activewear on and get down to Bodhi and Ride. Marrying mindfulness and an endorphin-filled bike workout, this spin class will refresh body and soul. With the lights dimmed and R&B classics blasting, the 45 minutes of cycling fun will go by in a breeze.