Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, RI this week. Monday, February 19th Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Winter Festival Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Burger Bender 10 am to 9 pm – Newport Skating Center Open 2 pm & 7:30 pm – I Tonya at Jane Pickens Theater 4:45 […]
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
Live music and entertainment listings: Feb. 19 – 24
Our Newport Live Music and Entertainment Guide is Newport County’s premier and most comprehensive source for live music and entertainment in our area. Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this week. Monday, February 19th Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 pmFastnet Pub: […]
Posted inNews
Archaeology Study of Historic Newport Town Spring site to be conducted in March
As a result the recent discovery of a significant underground stone structure at the Newport Spring site (the former Coffey’s gas station), the Historic Newport Town Spring Committee is pleased to announce that an archaeology study of the structure and surrounding area will be conducted this March. Formed in 2014, the Newport Spring Committee’s goals […]
Posted inNews
Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry begins journey south with Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy students
The 200-foot Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is beginning a two-week journey to Florida via Charleston, S.C. that will serve as an internship at sea for six students from the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) of Norfolk, Va. The students recently completed a four-week MAMA “Mariner Boot Camp” training course designed to give them international credentials for securing an […]
Posted inNews
EFC North, and its new staff, readies for March 10th Grand Opening
Delivery vans, painting crews and new outdoor signage are clear signs that the new EFC Newport campus launch at 14 Potomac Street, Portsmouth, EFC North, is fast approaching. With Saturday, March 10 as the official Grand Opening launch date, the new staff is working tirelessly to prepare for a successful and celebratory event. “We have […]
Posted inNews
Newport Area Career and Technical Center: CyberPatriot Teams win Rhode Island Silver 1st & 3rd Place Awards
Teams of students from the Newport Area Career and Technical Center (NACTC) in Newport, RI recently concluded an exceptional round of competition in the tenth season of CyberPatriot – the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. Established by AFA in 2009, CyberPatriot is designed to excite, educate, and motivate students toward careers in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Podcast: A conversation with Niko Merritt – Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ movie and Sankofa Community Connection
Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie, a film featuring an almost all-black cast, black director, about a black superhero, is “something black people have never seen before … in an age when black people are seeing wrongs done against them in ways that extend beyond film every day, a moment to see blackness as a strength,” said […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Salve Regina set to host 13th French Film Festival from February 25th – March 8th
Six thought-provoking French films featuring a wide range of perennial concerns like love, aging, identity (national, racial and sexual) and survival in the aftermath of war and trauma, will be featured when Salve Regina University for the 13th year presents its French Film Festival on March 25-April 6. All films are open to the public and will […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
2018 U.S. Para Sailing Championship will take place in Newport this June
The C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta and US Sailing are excited to announce that the 2018 U.S. Para Sailing Championships, formerly known as the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championships, will be hosted at Sail Newport, by The Clagett Regatta in Newport, R.I. on June 19-24, 2018. “We are very happy to announce in conjunction […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Euer co-sponsors bill that would ban high-capacity magazines
With the cosponsorship of several Senate leaders, Sen. Gayle Goldin has introduced legislation banning high-capacity magazines, meant to prevent mass shootings like the one yesterday that left 17 dead at a Parkland, Fla., high school. The bill is being co-sponsored by Senator Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Middletown) several other senators. The legislation (2018-S 2319) would ban […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Salve: Public ceramics exhibition, ‘Transformed by Fire,’ celebrates retirement of 37-year art professor Jay Lacouture
A ceramics exhibition celebrating the upcoming retirement of 37-year Salve Regina art professor Jay Lacouture will be presented at Dorrance Hamilton Gallery Feb. 22-March 28. “Transformed by Fire: A Wood Fire Community” is a group exhibition featuring ceramic work fired at Lacouture’s home studio in Carolina. On Thursday, February 22, 2018 the general public and the campus community […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
40+ things to do this weekend (Feb. 15 – 18)
The 30th Annual Newport Winter Festival and 2nd Annual Newport Burger Bender Friday, February 16th Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Winter Festival Feb. 16 – 25 – Newport Burger Bender 12 pm & 1 pm – Newport Seal Tours 2 pm & 7:30 pm – I Tonya at Jane Pickens Theater 3 pm to 9 pm – Polar Pineapples at […]
Posted inJobs
102 companies are hiring right now in and around Newport
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are more than 100 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. All job listings have been posted within the last 7 days and are located within 5 miles of Newport. 22 Bowen’s Restaurant – Servers […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Tour Guides & Greeter News – #7: Big Tourism Season Ahead
There’s a super big week ahead! A forecast of somewhat temperate weather in spite of the posted season, combined with the kick-off of the 30th annual Newport Winter Fest signals an inviting time for visitors and residents alike. Check out the following listings and previews of the busy season ahead for residents and visitors […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Rhode Island Waterfront Events adds four more shows to East Providence series
Rhode Island Waterfront Events and music promoter, Live Nation, announce that four more shows have been added to its 2018 Concert Series at Bold Point Park on the East Providence, Rhode Island waterfront. The eclectic mix of concerts are: THE HEAD AND THE HEART, Friday, June 8th Advance general admission ticket $45.50/Day of $51; FREE […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust receives grant to purchase Little Creek Preserve in Portsmouth
Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has received a $151,500 grant from The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (“DEM”) for the purchase of Little Creek Preserve in Portsmouth. ALT has been fundraising to conserve Little Creek since July 2017 and has raised $364,500 of the $368,000 required to close on the 15.6-acre property. Fundraising will continue […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Queen Anne’s Loft to open in former Star Bar as an event and function venue
Meet Amanda Roderick, a local hospitality professional and an extended relative of the Kilroy family, known for their popular downtown restaurants including The Landing, where Roderick has worked with her family since she was a young girl. Most recently, Amanda has served as the events coordinator for The Landing and decided that it was time […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business
Podcast: A conversation about the The Newport Workshop, a new community-powered manufacturing shop
Micah Reyes and Andrea Pietrangeli joined Frank and Ryan today to chat about The Newport Workshop! The Newport Workshop will be a community-powered manufacturing shop empowering the “maker” in everyone through education, production, and collaboration. Their initiative is to provide the equipment, materials, and space for community members to make what they want and need through […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Polar Pineapples set to return to Goat Island for Newport Winter Festival
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina will once again transform Pineapples on the Bay to Polar Pineapples during the Newport Winter Festival! Polar Pineapples will offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy a signature infused cocktail or specialty hot drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) while enjoying views of the bay, ice sculptures, and more. “We’re excited […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Storm named ‘Official Beer’ of Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for Seventh Year
Newport Storm’s Spring Irish Red Ale has been welcomed back as the “Official Beer” of the 2018 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. 2018 marks the 62nd annual parade, and the seventh time that Newport Storm Brewery has been given the honor. The 62nd Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, […]
Posted inNews
Secretary of the Navy announces Navy’s newest Expeditionary Fast Transport ship will be named after Newport
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced today that the next Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Newport (T-EPF 12). “This is the fourth ship to bear the name honoring the Rhode Island city. Newport is home to several Navy activities, including Naval Station Newport and the Naval War College”, says […]
Posted inBusiness
David Rockefeller, Jr. and Sailors for the Sea to join forces with Oceana
Sailors for the Sea, the leading ocean conservation organization for the sailing and boating community-based in Newport, RI, is joining with Oceana, the world’s largest ocean conservation organization. As the two organizations move forward under the Oceana umbrella, Sailors for the Sea co-founder David Rockefeller, Jr., will be joining Oceana’s Board of Directors. Oceana plans to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Neighbor of Armory raises concerns, questions processes regarding potential sale of the building
A neighbor of the Armory is questioning the viability of the proposed purchaser to finance and complete th necessary restoration of the Armory, the security which the city would require ensuring completion of the restoration within a reasonable time, and the process that the city would follow in the disposition of the property. Following a press […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Podcast: A convo with Doug Woolverton about leaving Newport, his future in music, and more
Doug Woolverton has been a big piece of the live music and entertainment scene in Newport and across Rhode Island since 2004 with his involvement in Roomful of Blues, Newport Groove Merchants, The Ravers, his Tribute to Miles Davis, and much more. For Woolverton, the time has come to head west and take the chance […]
Posted inNews
Pell Elementary School selected for the International Space Station “Rhode Island Space Chat #3” in Fall 2018
Newport Public Schools has announced that Pell Elementary School has been chosen as the first public school in Rhode Island to host a student-led “space chat” with the International Space Station (ISS) during the second half of 2018. Pell submitted a detailed educational proposal in November supporting its bid, it was announced on January 19th […]