Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week and weekend, enjoy! You Might Also Like – Spooky things to do in and around Newport this October Monday, October 14th Things To Do 5th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival8:30 am – 44th Annual Jamestown Classic Bike Race10 am […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
‘Boeing Boeing’ lands at Newport Playhouse
Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant continues their 2019 Season of comedies with Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti, directed by Daniel Lee White. This lightning-fast French comedy centers on a bachelor juggling three stewardess girlfriends – until all three ladies land on his doorstep at the same time. Bachelor Bernard (played on alternate dates by Austin Venditelli and Joshua Fogerty) has everything in perfect order […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for James William (Geer) Geer
James W. Geer, 86, of Middletown passed away October 11, 2019. He was born April 8, 1933, in Weehauken, New Jersey, the son of late James A. and Mary Louise (Nees) Geer. On April 5, 1959, he married the love of his life Sara-Marie Guarino, who survives him. James received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 30+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this weekend, enjoy! Friday, October 11th Things To Do 5th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival10 am to 5 pm – Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale at Bowen’s!10:30 am – Happy Birthday Storytime at Newport Public Library3:30 pm – Teens: Silent Book Club at Newport Public Library4:30 pm […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Photo Gallery: 5th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival underway in Newport
The 5th Annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival kicked off at Top of Pelham on Thursday night with two shows, and lots of laughs. Rick Farrell was there to capture the night for What’s Up Newp and What’s Up Rhode Island. Touted as Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival, the comedy festival continues through Monday night […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
The Amica Newport Marathon returns this weekend, here’s what you need to know
It’s Columbus Day Weekend in our city-by-the-sea, which also means it’s the season fro the annual Amica Insurance Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. Runners from across the country and around the globe will be in town to compete on 13.1 or 26.2 miles of Newport and Middletown’s most picturesque roadways. The event is produced by Gray Matter […]
Posted inNews
Home on Meadowlark Lane in Portsmouth fetches $1.495 million
Lila Delman Real Estate announced today the sale of 89 Meadowlark Lane in Portsmouth for $1,495,000. Eric Kirton, Lila Delman Broker Associate, represented the buyer. Neither the buyer or seller were identified. This transaction marks the second highest sale in Portsmouth year-to-date, according to data maintained by the Rhode Island Statewide MLS.* Lila Delman is proud […]
Posted inThings To Do
Fortress of Nightmares postpones opening night
Due to expected high winds and rain, Fort Adams’ Fortress of Nightmares Halloween Festival has postponed opening night Friday, October 11th to Saturday, October 12th from 7 P.M. – 10 P.M. Guests who purchased General Admission tickets for the October 11th evening event may use them any other night Fridays and Saturdays, October 12th – October […]
Posted inNews
Neighbor In Need: Fundraiser planned for injured Middletown Police Officer
A fundraiser has been planned to help support Middletown Police Officer James O’Neil. O’Neil was injured in a motorcyle accident earlier this month. The fundraiser, #Rally4red Middletown Police Officer in need, is planned for November 3rd from 4 pm to 8 pm at the FOPA Hall in Middletown. Facebook Event Details “On November 3rd at […]
Posted inCity & Government
City shares traffic plan for Broadway Street Fair
The City of Newport has shared the following traffic advisory ahead of the 2019 Broadway Street Fair on Saturday, October 12th. The fair is scheduled from 12 pm to 6 pm, with plenty of events scheduled afterward. More info – https://www.broadwaystreetfair.com/. Traffic Impact “With the annual Broadway Street Fair due to take place this weekend, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City wants to know: How do you get around Newport?
With the summer season winding down, City planners are asking Newport residents, business owners, and visitors alike to help “Keep Newport Moving” by participating in an online survey designed to kick off the City’s first comprehensive Transportation Master Plan. The survey is due to launch at the Broadway Street Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12 , […]
Posted inBusiness
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Pumpkin Regatta raises more than $3,000 for Bahamian Hurricane Relief
On Friday, October 4, the local yachting community came together at Newport Shipyard to paddle in the Shipyard’s annual “Pumpkin Regatta” which raised $3,022 for hurricane relief organization HeadKnowles. Different charities are chosen each year and for 2019, Shipyard employees chose to raise money to help Bahamian residents who were affected by Hurricane Dorian in […]
Posted inThings To Do
NASA innovator joins with renowned thought leaders to host ‘Symposium on Digital Education’ at Salve Regina
A senior advisor for innovation at NASA is teaming up with the chief information officer for CIEE, which operates 175 study abroad programs for students in more than 40 countries, along with some of the most renowned minds in the field to assess the current state of digital education and explore its future when they […]
Posted inThings To Do
Lucy’s Hearth will host Fall For Lucy’s Hearth, annual fall fundraiser, on October 16th
On Wednesday, October 16th, The Board of Directors and Friends of Lucy’s Hearth will host the 8th Annual Fall for Lucy’s Hearth festive fall fundraiser at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This year, Lucy’s Hearth is celebrating its 35th anniversary providing shelter and critical human services to families with children experiencing homelessness. The event […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
The Newport String Project launches its seventh season with performances at Innovate Newport and the Newport Art Museum
On Friday October 18th 4.30 pm at Innovate Newport, the Project offers audiences a preview of its opening concert at String Sessions. Perfect for the audience member on-the-go or those who want a sneak peek of our concerts, String Sessions reinvent the traditional concert format – presenting short concerts (45-60 minutes of music) in unconventional spaces, that […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Public invited to reception on Friday to meet Sister City Delegation from Imperia, Italy
Mayor Jamie Bova and the Newport City Council invite the public to join them at a reception on Friday, October 11th, from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Edward King House to welcome members of a delegation visiting from Newport’s Sister City of Imperia, Italy. Light refreshments will be served, and all are invited to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport joins Nextdoor, as a Partner Agency
The City of Newport on Wednesday announced it has joined Nextdoor, the private social networking site for neighborhoods, as a Partner Agency. The decision to join Nextdoor is part of an ongoing effort to advance the City’s technological and civic engagement strategy, and follows the launch of a new Smart911 Emergency Alert system last month. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Common Fence Music will present Jonah Tolchin, Dan Blakesleee on October 18th
COMMON FENCE MUSIC is excited to be presenting an album release event for singer-songwriter JONAH TOLCHIN on Friday, October 18, 2019, 8pm, supported by local folk performer Dan Blakeslee. Doors will open to CFM members at 7:15pm, non-members at 7:30pm. The concert will take place at Hope & Main, 691 Main Street, Warren, RI. Tickets […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Upcoming Newport Historical Society talk will explore the identity and transformation of Scipio Twoshoes
Join the Newport Historical Society for a talk with Prof. Katherine Hermes, PhD and Prof. Alexandra Marvel, JD about the identity and transformation of Scipio Twoshoes on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 5:30 pm at the Newport Historical Society, 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI. Born to a Wangunk mother and an African father, Scipio Twoshoes […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Council votes to impose moratorium in Mixed-Use Innovation district
Newport City Council voted 5 – 2 on a Second Reading to amend Chapter 14.04 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Comprehensive Land Use Plan”, to add a new section 14.04.020 entitled, “Moratorium”. The passage by the council imposes a moratorium on decision relating to the development activity for uses requiring Development Plan Review in the […]
Posted inNews
Neighbor In Need: Fundraiser to be held for Carol Perry on November 16th
A fundraiser has been planned for November 16th at Brick Alley Pub to help support Carol Perry. Perry was recently diagnosed with Vasculitus, a crippling autoimmune disease, according to event organizers. Event Details Know of a neighbor in need? Email details, information, and/or contact to Ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inNews
Neighbor In Need: Fundraiser planned for Carrigan Nelson
Friends, family, and loved ones are planning a fundraiser this month to raise money for Carrigan Nelson of Portsmouth. Funds will help pay for coasts associated with her medical care in her fight against Osteosarcoma – a rare bone cancer. Event Details Care For Carrigan sponsored by Tiverton & Portsmouth Rotary Club will take place […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
newportFILM will host a Documentary Cinematography Retreat in Newport
newportFILM announced today a new program to provide support and mentorship to documentary cinematographers. The newportFILM lab, developed in consultation with Sean Flynn, Co-Founder and Program Director at Points North Institute, will host seven emerging filmmakers for a weekend long retreat October 18th – 20th offering master classes on cinematography. Shana Hagan (Director of Photography, The Kingmaker, Generation […]
Posted inCity & Government
Poll: Do you support or oppose the proposed six-month moratorium for the Mixed-Use Innovation district?
On Wednesday, October 9th, Newport City Council will vote on a Second Reading that would amend Chapter 14.04 of the Codified Ordinances, entitled, “Comprehensive Land Use Plan”, to add a new section 14.04.020 entitled, “Moratorium”. Passage by the majority of the council on this ordinance change would impose a moratorium on decision relating to the […]
Posted inNews
Harvest Fair raises $104,000 for Norman Bird Sanctuary
Norman Bird Sanctuary announced this evening that they welcomed thousands of community members to the 45th annual Harvest Fair on Saturday and Sunday October 5th & 6th. “We are delighted to report that the Harvest Fair raised a record-breaking $104,000,” said Norman Bird Sanctuary Executive Director Kaity Ryan in a press release. “These funds provide […]