Clear your calendars this week, boys and girls. Call in sick, fake your death, whatever it takes and come celebrate the very best thing about America besides freedom of the press: the music, the films, and both scenes' tendency to gather in the greater NYC metropolis. We're talking of course, about the CBGB Festival, the July 5th-8th celebration of the underground punk institution that cultivated some of the greatest talents of American punk rock.

Here are five things you simply can't miss.

1. A documentary for anybody who's ever found religion in music. This is the first documentary about the '80s band "The Replacements," but it delves into what it means to be a fan. The director, Gorman Bechard, will be making a guest appearance to chat, presumably, about music and fan-dom. Come see the film that the Village Voice is calling "a documentary version of Rashoman." It's screening at the Landmark Sunshine Theatre Thursday July 5th at 6 PM. Check out a teaser below:



2. All you bleary eyed nostalgic kids out there will love hearing about Pat Ivers and Emily Armstrongs adventures on the punk rock clubbing scene of 1975-1980. Called the "Louis and Clark" of the rock video, they amassed the largest collection of punk rock footage. Skip your day job to hear them talk about the glory days of the punk underground, watch some of their famous footage, and learn about their restoration projects on Friday the 6th at 2 PM. Check out a clip or their work below:




3. The ultimate portal into the past, the panel on "CBGB - Tales from the Club" will explore what the performance space that launched a movement meant to those who played, watched, and lived the club. Speakers include the former manager of The Ramones. Thursday at 5 PM.




4. Mosey on down to Central Park's Summer Stage at 3 PM on Saturday to check a living piece of rock history, the band Guided By Voices performing the hits that have fueled a nearly three decade long career. The War on Drugs is another highlight of the afternoon, as well as Cloud Nothings.



5. We don't know where you'll be Friday at 9 PM but we'll be not-so-patiently waiting to watch The Virgins. Lineup's rounded out by Mykke Blanco and Grand Rapids, both of whom rock harder than your average Friday night.



With over 300 bands and dozens of panels, film screenings, and industry-insiders, this celebration has something for anybody who considers themselves a fan of rock music, new or old. We offered some highlights, but if you're not adequately seduced -- 1) cheer up dude and 2) check out the full lineup here.