Newport’s historic venues will host the first Puddingstone Music Festival, which will feature a range of classical performances from June 24 to 28, 2025. The festival includes three main concerts, open rehearsals, and a live podcast recording of music from four centuries. “We’re excited to bring this musical experience to Newport’s beautiful historic settings,” the […]
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 inNews, Sports
Genie Bouchard, Christina McHale and Anna Frey announced as Hall of Fame Open WTA wildcards
The Hall of Fame Open has awarded its first WTA main draw wildcards to former world No. 5 Genie Bouchard and American Christina McHale, while rising star Anna Frey has accepted a qualifying wildcard. “We are thrilled to welcome accomplished players like Genie Bouchard and Christina McHale, and rising star Anna Frey, to Newport,” said Brewer Rowe, Tournament Director. “Hosting […]
Posted inCity & Government
Cliff Walk restoration, Easton’s Beach concessions on Newport City Council’s May 28 docket
The Newport City Council will take up a diverse agenda at its May 28 meeting, including contracts for beach concessions, utilities supplies, and pavement marking, along with several ordinance amendments addressing smoking regulations throughout the city. The Council is set to award a one-year agreement to Rhody Surf, Inc. of Newport for umbrella and chair […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport teen named Rhode Island Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County
Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews, a high school junior from Newport, has been named the 2025 Rhode Island Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. This is the highest honor a club member can receive at the state level. Mathews is now set to represent Rhode Island in the Northeast […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Local police ramp up impaired driving enforcement this weekend
Good Thursday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from May 22, 4 PM until May 22, 7 PM Today: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 10 am. Some of the storms could produce heavy […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport kicks off Easton’s Beach planning workshops
Newport is launching a series of public workshops to plan the future of Easton’s Beach, aiming to balance environmental concerns with its recreational and cultural importance. Starting June 4, the month-long process will bring together locals, stakeholders, and experts to create a vision for a sustainable and vibrant beach. City officials say the workshops aim […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Breakers’ historic front gates reinstalled after restoration
The Preservation Society of Newport County announced today (May 21) that restoration work on The Breakers’ massive main gates has been completed.Weighing 5,600 pounds each, the main gates were put back into place by crane on Wednesday (May 21). Two large wrought-iron crown pieces were reinstalled on Tuesday (May 20).The two main gates, two side […]
Posted inReal Estate
Record-breaking $3.7 million land sale in Jamestown marks highest since 2017
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty announced today (May 21) the sale of a waterfront property (424 Beavertail Road) in Jamestown for $3.7 million. This sale is the highest for land in the town since 2017, and the second-highest land sale ever recorded in the town. The property at 424 Beavertail Road spans 5.7 acres […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do in Newport County this Memorial Day Weekend: May 22 – 26
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this Memorial Day Weekend, Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Thursday, May 22 Things To Do 9 am: Save The Bay Shoreline Cleanup at Weaver Cove 11 am: Winery Tours […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business, News
Audrain’s 1952 Pegaso Z-102 wins first in class at Lugano Elegance
The Audrain Collection’s 1952 Pegaso Z-102 lightweight competition coupe has just won First in Class at the Lugano Elegance event in Switzerland. This prestigious win came in the Sports Cars of the ’50s and ’60s category. The Audrain Collections acquired this historic vehicle, chassis 0115, in 2020. It’s one of only three lightweight competition coupes […]
Posted inThings To Do
Providence to host nearly 2,000 top athletes for USA Gymnastics Championships in June; tickets now on sale
Nearly 2,000 Olympic-level athletes, top gymnasts, and up-and-comers from around the country will gather in Providence for the USA Gymnastics Championships June 16-21, and tickets to watch the competition live are now on sale. The USA Gymnastics Championships is the national championship event for athletes in rhythmic, trampoline, tumbling, and acrobatic disciplines. Spectators are invited to watch […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM: Wave hello to state beach season
Memorial Day weekend kicks off state beach season with all state beaches, with the exception of Roger Wheeler, open daily with lifeguards, beach staff, concessions, and restrooms starting Saturday, May 24 until Labor Day. Roger Wheeler will open Saturday, June 14 due to an upgrade project. To provide more options during the delayed opening, Scarborough South will open for Memorial […]
Posted inArts & Culture
JPT kicks off summer with ‘JAWS’, comedy fest, live music, and more
Nothing salutes the start of a Rhode Island summer like Quint the shark hunter, Broadway Street Fair, and a refreshing drink in hand, courtesy of local brewers and wineries. The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) sets summer into motion with showings of cult classic films to remind viewers that beach days and warmer […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Free hop-on hop-off trolley returns to Newport
Visitors to Newport (and residents) can once again enjoy free transportation to the city’s top tourist spots this summer. The popular hop-on hop-off service on RIPTA Line #67 is back, running from May 23 through October 31, 2025. Discover Newport has announced its return, giving tourists an easy way to explore the city’s attractions. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theatre By The Sea kicks off 92nd season with “Always…Patsy Cline”
Theatre By The Sea is opening its 2025 summer season with a tribute to country music icon Patsy Cline. “Always…Patsy Cline” runs from May 28 to June 21, returning to the venue after a 20-year break. “Always…Patsy Cline has not been presented at Theatre By The Sea for over twenty years. In fact, it was the […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: MLK Center unveils ‘Live from the Loading Dock’ summer lineup
Good Wednesday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. East wind 9 to 13 mph. Tonight: A chance of showers before midnight, then a chance of showers after 3 am. Cloudy, with […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Susan Jacobsen named President and Chief Executive Officer of Child & Family Services of Newport County
Child & Family Services of Newport County, one of Rhode Island’s oldest and most comprehensive human service organizations, has announced the appointment of Susan Jacobsen, MA, LMHC, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Jacobsen brings two decades of leadership in behavioral health, nonprofit management, philanthropy, and health equity initiatives across Rhode Island. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport expands parking benefits for residents
Newport’s summer parking program is getting an upgrade, giving residents more perks and flexibility. From May 1 through October 31, those with residential parking passes can enjoy three free hours of parking at any metered spot in the city, including the Mary Street Parking Lot. The city announced Tuesday, “This year, Newport residential parking pass […]
Posted inNews
Newport Festivals Foundation launches charity license plate to support music education
The Newport Festivals Foundation, producers of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, is rolling out an official Rhode Island license plate to boost music education for students across the state. Money from each plate will go towards providing free music lessons for Rhode Island students through the Newport Festivals Foundation’s Free Music Lessons […]
Posted inSports
Nathan Sena of Middletown takes home $15,000 and bragging rights in national APA 8-Ball Championship
Nathan Sena, a Middletown resident, has clinched the 2025 APA 8-Ball Classic Pool Championship in Las Vegas, walking away with a $15,000 prize package. Sena beat out nearly 6,000 competitors from across North America to win the Orange Tier of the championship. The tournament, part of the American Poolplayers Association’s (APA) Poolplayer Championships, took place […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Vineyards celebrates 30 years of growth and innovation
Newport Vineyards is marking its 30th anniversary with a lineup of events that highlight its journey from a small vineyard to a top-tier destination. The Middletown winery, started by brothers John and Paul Nunes in 1995, now spans over 100 acres of sustainably farmed land. It’s grown to offer estate-grown wines, farm-to-table dining, a craft […]
Posted inInstagram, News, Things To Do
Boots on the Ground Memorial returns to Fort Adams for Memorial Day Weekend
Operation Stand Down RI is bringing back its Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial to Fort Adams State Park this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26. The powerful display features over 7,000 combat boots, each one representing a U.S. service member who lost their life in the Global War on Terror since 9/11. Every boot […]
Posted inBusiness
Big Weather Gear officially opens on Thames Street
Newport’s retail landscape has a new—but familiar—face. Local entrepreneur and longtime Thames Street fixture Jay Lasky has launched Big Weather Gear, a fresh retail concept rooted in his decades-long passion for outdoor and marine apparel. This new venture brings together top performance brands and lifestyle wear under one roof, offering something for everyone who lives, […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Robert McCall named new Middletown Fire Chief after national search
Good Tuesday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 58. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tonight: Patchy drizzle after 2 am. Cloudy, with a low […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport: May 19 – 25
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event