SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

FAMILY Play School's Jay Laga'aia channels the grouchy, green ogre in Shrek the Musical (until February 17) as the fairy tale creatures from the hit animated film franchise take to the stage. 11am and 4pm, Riverside Theatres, cnr Church and Market streets, Parramatta, $55/$50, riversideparramatta.com.au

TALK Existential psychiatrist Irvin Yalom appears via live video feed to tackle the big questions and share his thoughts on human existence, the meaning of life and the quest to achieve fulfilment. Noon, the Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, $55, theschooloflife.com

FESTIVAL Don the team colours for the Parramatta Eels Blue and Gold Army Festival as players appear for meet and greets, while head coach Brad Arthur shares his thoughts ahead of the season's start. 5-6pm, Bella Vista Farm Park, 2 Elizabeth MacArthur Drive, Bella Vista, free, summerseries.com.au

MUSIC Hear pianist Alex Parkmen accompanied by bass guitar and drums for In the Mood for Love, a romantic gig with classical tunes, jazz arrangements of French songs and Parkmen's own originals. 8pm, Camelot Lounge, 19 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, $30, camelotlounge.com

FILM Catch an American Express Openair Cinemas screening of Wonder (rated PG), the tear-jerking drama starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as the parents of a young boy born with a condition that affects his facial development. 8.30pm, Dolphin Lawn, Bondi Beach, $23, openaircinemas.com.au

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

STAGE Caryl Churchill's 1982 play Top Girls (until March 24) ponders feminism, Thatcherism and the difficulties of having it all. The talented cast includes Helen Thomson and Paula Arundell. 8pm, Sydney Opera House, $81, sydneyoperahouse.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

MUSIC The Australian Chamber Orchestra's Tognetti Tchaikovsky Brahms (until February 16) has the ensemble playing works from the two 19th-century composing greats alongside the world premiere of a double-bass concerto from Missy Mazzoli. 8pm, City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place, city, $49-$152, aco.com.au

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

OUTDOORS Forget a boring candlelit dinner for two this Valentine's Day and enjoy A Date with Nature instead, where you will learn from bush craft experts how to build a survival shelter and raft, before enjoying a sunset picnic. 6.30pm, the Wild Play Discovery Centre, Dickens Drive, Centennial Park, $29, centennialparklands.com.au

Mental As Anything will roll out the hits in Manly.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

MUSIC Groove along to a free concert from Aussie rock legends Mental as Anything as they perform classic tracks such as The Nips are Getting Bigger and Live It Up. 6.30pm, Hotel Steyne, 75 The Corso, Manly, free, hotelsteyne.com.au

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

MARKETS The inaugural Chinese New Year Night Market is on for one evening only with lanterns lighting up the board walk. Visitors will receive fortune cookies and red envelopes for the cultural celebration as they shop for fish, crabs, lobsters and oysters. 4-10pm, Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Pyrmont, free, sydneyfishmarket.com.au

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

FILM Pack a picnic blanket to watch Tropfest's 16 finalist flicks, all featuring this year's signature item of a rose. Hollywood royalty will be on hand with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon leading the short film festival's judging panel. 4-10.30pm, the Crescent, Parramatta Park, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta, free, tropfest.org.au