7 reasons to leave work on time

As we ease back into working in the office again, let’s not forget to factor in some city me-time. These great after-work ideas will have you logging off at 5pm on the dot.

Experience a winter festival three years in the making

Like a phoenix from the ashes, RISING returns in June. For nearly two weeks, see the city transformed by rooftop projection parties, immersive theatre, and moonlight ice-skating adventures. Catch a midweek set from Sampa the Great or awe-inspiring theatre at The Picture of Dorian Gray. Can't wait? Book your spot behind the curtain of the Flinders Station Ballroom, where Patricia Piccinini's mystifying exhibit is on now.

Go late-night shopping

Get a dose of retail therapy after work as Shop the City: Winter Weekend kicks off on Friday 3 June. There'll be winter wonderland pop-ups at all the city's iconic malls, centres and laneways. Pick up warming freebies like a hot chocolate or churros to fuel your shopping. Then discover live music, a wintery laneway market, prizes and happy hour deals. And did we mention epic discounts of up to 50 per cent off your favourite shops?

Beat the crowds and find more unmissable weeknight events

Make the most of your office days, skip the peak PT rush and kick on in town at the best Melbourne events. On weekdays you can see an all-star cast in a masterful production of Girl From The North Country. Catch limited run shows for just $20 a pop at Arts House. Or spend your Wednesday evenings at the Winter Night Market. Grab a hot cup of mulled wine and enjoy roaring fire pits, winter comfort food, roving performers and free entertainment.

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 active wear on and get down to Bodhi & Ride. Marrying mindfulness and an endorphin-filled bike workout, this spin class will refresh body and soul. With the lights dimmed and RnB classics blasting, the 45 minutes of cycling fun will go by in a breeze.

Find the best happy hour deals

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 Southern Rock oysters, $8 pomme frites, or a $40 charcuterie plate to share. The Moat and Time Out also offer a selection of $12 cocktails every single day. Find more information with our round-up of Melbourne's best happy hour deals.

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 six 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 a 10-lesson package. No need to drag your axe into town, as all instruments are provided.

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 6pm and pick up cheap entry to events at the Comedy Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, The Comic’s Lounge and more. Offers change every day and there's always something new to discover.