While planning my June 2020 wedding, the question of whether to have a First Look have come up from the photographer, venue, wedding planner, and almost everyone else involved in the big day. With the question on whether to have a First Look or to wait until the moment we walk down the aisle to […]
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 inCity & Government, News
City adding new restrooms to Miantonomi Park
New restrooms are coming to Miantonomi Park this month, the City of Newport announced in a press release today. Earlier this month, a new restroom building, which is identical to the unit found at Cliff Walk’s 40 Steps, was craned into place just off Hillside Avenue. The new facility represents not just a needed amenity […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
DEM, partners to host free youth fishing event in Middletown, kayak fishing workshop in Lincoln
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program, in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and others, announced today that they will host a free saltwater youth fishing event and a kayak fishing workshop for children and adults on Saturday, August 10th from 10 am to 3 pm at Sachuest […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s up in Newport this week: Things to do, live music and entertainment (August 5 – 12)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week and weekend. Monday, August 5th Things To Do 8 am – Ben Tuff Swim around Jamestown10 am – Free Tours of Eisenhower House2 pm to 6 pm – Miantonomi Farmers Market4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – The Farewell at Jane Pickens Theater8 pm – Laughter For Locals […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Community invited to make or buy art at Newport Art Museum’s Wet Paint
via Newport Art Museum The Newport Art Museum invites the community to participate in its week-long art-making celebration and one-day silent and live auction, Wet Paint, on Saturday, August 17, 2019. Proceeds from the event benefit the Museum’s exhibitions, outreach, education and historic preservation. Hundreds of artworks, many “still wet,” created by artists of all ages and media will be […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City addressing potential malware on School Department network
Experts from the City of Newport’s IT Department are assisting their counterparts at the Newport Public Schools after being alerted to a potential security issue affecting a portion of the School Department’s internal network, according to a press release from the City of Newport on Monday. According to the release; On Monday, network connectivity at […]
Posted inNews
Rev’d Della Wager Wells named new Priest-in-Charge at Emmanuel Church
Emmanuel Church has announced that they have new leadership. “Please join us welcoming the Rev’d Della Wager Wells, called as Priest-in-Charge at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street, Newport. Her first Sunday services will be at 8am and 10am on September 1,” Annie Sherman, Parish Administrator at Emmanuel Church included in an email to press this […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island musicians shine at 65th Newport Jazz Festival
From start to finish, the 65th edition of the Newport Jazz Festival put the spotlight on young, new, up-and-coming, and Rhode Island musicians. Musicians of all ages and from all across Rhode Island got the opportunity to shine this weekend, and took full advantage of it. With a 2011 Newport Folk Festival appearance with Emmylou […]
Posted inNews
South Kingstown High School graduate presented with $5,000 scholarships during the 2019 Newport Jazz Festival
Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis), presenting sponsor of the Newport Jazz Festival, announced recently that Matthew Pearl and Luca Simeone have been awarded the 2019 George Wein Jazz Ambassador Scholarship. Natixis awards the scholarships annually, in coordination with the Newport Festivals Foundation, to young artists who have shown tremendous music ability, strong academic achievement, and a […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
WalletHub Study: Rhode Island is 2019’s 3rd Best State for Health Care
With the Affordable Care Act remaining in effect and the CDC reporting that over 87 percent of the population has a regular place to go for medical care, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best & Worst States for Health Care. In order to determine where Americans receive the highest-quality services at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Island Moving Company to host children’s auditions for ‘Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff’
Newport’s Contemporary Ballet, Island Moving Company (IMC) will hold auditions for children’s roles in this year’s production of Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff on Saturday, September 14th at IMC’s studios at 3 Charles Street in Newport, RI. Auditions will be from 1:30 – 3:30pm for children ages 7-11 and from 4:00 – 6:00pm for children 12+. […]
Posted inNews
George Wein honored by Boston Red Sox at 65th Newport Jazz Festival
About half way through the 65th Annual Newport Jazz Festival, 93-year-old George Wein was surprised and honored by Jay Sweet, Executive Producer of Newport Festivals Foundation; Christian McBride, Artistic Director of Newport Jazz Festival; and Brittany Ryan, Associate Producer; with a ceremony on the quad stage at Fort Adams. A letter from the Boston Red […]
Posted inNews
Jamestown resident will swim around Conanicut Island on Monday
On Monday, August 5, 2019 at 530 A.M. Jamestown resident Ben Tuff will start a 23-mile swim around Conanicut Island (Jamestown) to raise awareness for improving ocean health and to raise funds for Clean Ocean Access. The event starts at Kettle Bottom Rock southwest of Fort Wetherill State Park. During the swim event, Clean Ocean […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Free walking art tours highlight August Newport Gallery Night
Newport Galleries Night 2018 is underway and the season is in high gear at our member galleries, museums and cultural institutions with August Newport Gallery Night on Thursday, August 9th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Our popular FREE Summer Guided Walking Art Tours continue for August Newport Gallery Night. And these short, informational tours […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s up in Newport this weekend: Things to do, live music and entertainment (Aug. 2 – 4)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this weekend. Friday, August 2 Things To Do 10 am to 7 pm – 2019 Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams2 pm, 4:45 pm, & 7:30 pm – The Farewell at Jane Pickens Theater4 pm – Diego’s Pop Up at Ragged Island4:30 pm – Kitten Yoga at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Ceremony held to celebrate support of music programs at Newport Public Schools
A small ceremony was held at Thompson Middle School on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a recent donation made to support music programs at Newport Public Schools’. Jay Sweet, Executive Producer of Newport Festivals Foundation; Members of Newport School Committee; Ian O’Neil, Guitarist for Deer Tick, and several faculty from Newport Public Schools were on hand […]
Posted inNews
The Great Gatsby Movie Experience returns to Jane Pickens Theater on August 4th and 18th
Once again the Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center invites audiences to experience a cinema and Newport experience like no other. One of two screenings of the classic 1974 film The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow will take place on Sunday August 4th at 10:30am and again Sunday August 18th at 10:30 a.m. Attendees […]
Posted inNews
Applications are open for the 2019 Clagett Boat Grant Program
The C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2019 Clagett Boat Grant Program. In 2019 two 2.4mR boats will be available as part of the Clagett Boat Grant Program and applications from either individual sailors or community sailing programs in North America will […]
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO: City Council Workshop on Fireworks Policy
Newport City Council met for approximately twenty five minutes on Wednesday night to discuss their fireworks policy. Watch the video, courtesy of the City of Newport, below now; http://cityofnewport.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=132 We’re having a bit of technical issues uploading this video. We’re looking into the issue, please click on the link above to watch while we try […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s Artist Award Application due September 15
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) announces the September 15, 2019, 11:59 pm deadline for the Artist Awards, in support of Newport County artists and art projects that benefit our community. Artist Awards of up to $500 support arts projects throughout Newport County. Through these awards, ACA champions exciting and interesting arts […]
Posted inBusiness
Bowen’s Wharf celebrates 50th Anniversary
Secretary Nellie Gorbea stopped by Bowen’s Wharf today to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of their incorporation. The Secretary, who was joined my Mayor Bova, Senator Euer, and Newport County Chamber Of Commerce Executive Director Erin Boyle, presented Bowen’s Wharf with citation and made a few remarks on the Wharf’s economic and historical impact on the […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Rosemary & Thyme will permanently close in August
After nine years as one of Newport’s most popular cafe’s and bakeries, Rosemary & Thyme will permanently close in August. UPDATE – Rosemary & Thyme has confirmed that they will close at the end of their business day on Sunday, August 4th. The decision to close was not an easy one for Anna & Matthew […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 100 local job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s who’s hiring right now. 22 Bowen’s – Pastry Cook – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant A Market – Cashier Associate Advance Auto Parts – Part Time Driver Advantage Solutions – Event Specialist inside BJ’s Wholesale Club Anchor Toffee – Help Wanted APG Security – […]
Posted inNews
Wedding Tips & Tricks: Top 3 reasons to have a private home wedding
Selecting the venue to host one of the most significant days of your life not only establishes the ambiance for your wedding weekend but also reflects your personal style and preferences. Many couples opt for unique and intimate locations, such as their private residence or a beloved childhood home, to create a truly memorable experience […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Justin Chapple will headline 14th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival in September
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated culinary events, returns for its 14th year, September 19 – 22, 2019. The Marble House lawn will once again be the spectacular setting for the much-anticipated two-day Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, which offers guests the chance to […]