Belmont Bookshop's 2nd Annual Literary Festival returns to Belmont, NC on September 5th, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend) . Join us for a holiday weekend of Family Entertainment, Author Conversations, Chess Tournament, Live Theater Performances, and more!BECOME A SPONSOR!CHESS 101 WITH MAURICE ASHLEY PRESENTED BY GASTON COUNTY CHESS CLUBLearn the basics of chess from World Chess Hall of Fame inductee, Maurice Ashley - the first African American chess grandmaster, three time national championship coach, author, and a world-renowned commentator for some of the game’s biggest matches! Appropriate for all ages! Registration required as space is limited. All registration fees will help pay for equipment as a donation to the Gaston County Chess Club! This Chess 101 class is open to all but requires a $5 registration.