The Baltimore Book Festival is a Mt. Vernon tradition, and the 2012 event takes place Friday–Sunday, September 28–30. The fest features hundreds of appearances by local, celebrity and nationally known authors, book signings, more than 100 exhibitors and booksellers, nonstop readings on multiple stages, cooking demos by top chefs, live music and, of course, a delicious variety of food, beer and wine.

There are plenty of different book-related events to enjoy throughout the weekend, but we put together a quick overview of the best that include a chance for a drink. Check out five Book Festival happy hours and meet and greets:

Friday, September 28

Ladies Night Out: With your girlfriends by your side and a wine glass in hand, get ready to enjoy a literary ladies’ night out. Enjoy free wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly while getting tips on style and beauty, as well as listening to the keynote addresses from Grammy-nominated singer Ledisi and The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice (5-8 PM; Bank of America Literary Saloon).

Happy Hour at Baltimore Book Festival: Grab a drink and learn about your libations with Robert Kasper, author of Baltimore Beer, who will speak at 5 PM, Katie Loeb, author of Shake, Stir, Pour: Fresh Homegrown Cocktails, who will speak at 6 PM, and Regina Mc Carthy, author of Maryland Wine: A Full-Bodied History, who will speak at 7 PM (5-8 PM; Food for Thought Stage).

Literary Happy Hour: Join the CityLit family for cold beer and book talk celebrating the fabulous Baltimore Book Festival. Beer will be provided courtesy of The Brewer’s Art (5:30 PM; City Lit Stage).

Saturday, September 29
Fiction Presented by the 510 Reading Series: Wine courtesy of the Chesapeake Wine Company will be served during this event hosted by Jen Michalski, fiction author, on-line journal publisher, and 510 Series co-creator with Michael Kimball (6:30 PM; City Lit Stage).

SFWA Reception/Autographing: Come Meet Our Authors: Join SFWA for a reception and autograph session with authors from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Enjoy good conversation, soft live music, and plenty of food and drink (6 PM; Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Stage).

Event Date: 09/28,09/29,09/30
Event Time: noon-8 PM
Location: Mt. Vernon Place
Price: PAYG
Website: www.baltimorebookfestival.com/home