I'm honestly debating calling out of work, just so I can attend this. THATS DEDICATION.
I award you one *GOLD* star for dedication. I would use the classic excuses too.
Oh and be sure to research what your calling in sick with. I knew someone who tried to get out of work by naming some disease he'd heard of but had no clue what it actually was. His boss however did...and fired him. Claiming well since your clearly dying from "blah" you don't need to come into work any more.
Don't do that.