11 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 mid-week musicals.

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 $10. Over at the Cooper's Inn, a standing Friday night sesh of fresh acts and familiar faces will set you back a mere $20.

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 table from 6.30pm for 2 to 8 people for just $15. Or head down on board game Wednesday to pick from a selection of more than 80 board games. Join a hosted play session for $15, or bring your gang and play games 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 $10 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 Turkish tea and cookies 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 6pm 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 Melbourne Fringe 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 Southern Rock oysters or a $44 charcuterie plate to share. Nab $14 cocktails at cute subterranean bar The Moat. Or score $8 sangria and $15 paella at Kensington tapas restaurant 520 Macaulay Road. Find more information with our round-up of Melbourne's best happy hour deals.

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 at the office worker-friendly hour of 7pm. 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 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.

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 & 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.