Discover the best entertainment, comedy and live music happening around Newport, RI this weekend. Looking for more than live music and entertainment? Here’s a look at 15+ Great Things To Do This Weekend in Newport. If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting the venues in bold. These are the businesses who make […]
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
Chat With Representative Lauren Carson (Part 1): 38 Studios, Tourism & City Adminstration
Following the recent announcement that the State Of Rhode Island reached a $25.6 million deal over 38 Studios, and her opponent calling her out for her stance on the issue, Representative Lauren Carson (D-District 75, Newport) reached out to us and invited us to sit down on Friday, August 26th so she could share her thoughts […]
Posted inNews
SUV Crashes Into Front of Micki’s ‘Mat Laundromat on Bellevue Avenue
An SUV crashed into the front of Micki’s ‘Mat Laundromat, a.k.a. Bellevue Cleaners and Laundry, on Friday morning just after 11:30 a.m. A witness did report that a man was transported from the scene by ambulance. Micki’s is located in the Bellevue Shopping Plaza at 272 Bellevue Avenue, Susan and David Chevalier have owned the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Annual ‘Newport White Party’ Set to Take Place on Newport Waterfront on Saturday Night
Salt Water at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina will be host of the Annual Newport White Party on Saturday, August 27th. The event is scheduled from 6 – 10 p.m. and will include entertainment, food, drink and most likely, a beautiful sunset. The White Party had it’s humble beginnings in Newport on the 2nd floor of […]
Posted inNews
33 Open Houses on Aquidneck Island This Weekend: August 26 – 28
On the market for a new place to make a home? Here’s what open houses are taking place this weekend in Newport, Portsmouth and Middletown. All listings via www.riliving.com. Newport 125 VAN ZANDT AV Newport, RI / 02840 $175,000 MLS# 1134343 NEW Type: Condo Complex Name: Pier Landing Beds: 1 Beds Baths: 1 Full / 0 […]
Posted inNews
During Turbulent Times, 15 Local Christian Churches Are Uniting
Christian Churches Unite During Turbulent Times Using outdoor prayer circles at the local city hall, soup kitchens in the heart of downtown, and live Christian music at the local coffeehouse, New England Christian churches are responding to the unease felt during the current turbulent times. With broad outreach programs appealing to all ages, the churches […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressional and Defense Industry Leaders Will Attend ‘Defense Innovation Days’ in Newport Next Week
Defense Innovation Days Begins Monday, Senator Reed and Under Secretary of Defense Frank Kendall are Keynote Speakers Congressional and defense industry leaders will visit Newport, RI from August 29 through August 31 for a major event focusing on the future of innovation and technology in the defense arena. Hosted by the Southeastern New England Defense […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport International Boat Show Announces Activities and Highlights for 2016 Event
There’s Something For Everyone At The Newport International Boat Show, Region’s Largest Boat Show Announces Activities and Highlights Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, have announced the activities and amenities for those planning to attend its 46th annual show. The largest boat show in New England and the ‘kick off’ […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society of Newport County Launches “Live the Gilded Life” Promotion
Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences Paired with Luxury Accommodations and Travel on Tap for “Live The Gilded Life” Sweepstakes Winner The famed “summer cottages” of the Vanderbilts, Berwinds, and other Gilded Age tycoons have long been a coveted destination on many travelers’ East Coast itineraries. This year The Preservation Society of Newport County will fly one lucky couple to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council Votes 5-2 to Move Forward With Port Security Grant For Procurement of New Fire & Rescue Boat
At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday night, the majority of Newport City Council voted to accept the 2016 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Award for the procurement of a new Fire & Rescue Boat. The vote was 5-2 with Ward 3 Councilor Kate Leonard and Councilor-At-Large Justin McLaughin voting against the resolution. The […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council Asks City Administration to Review Existing Ordinances Related to Scooter Parking
With approval of a resolution on Wednesday at Newport City Council’s meeting, City Administration will review the existing ordinances related to where scooters are allowed to park and report back to the City Council a plan that will ease up on the current parking restrictions associated with scooters. The resolution was introduced by Newport City […]
Posted inNews
Guillaume de Ramel Forced To Land His Airplane on Sandbar in the Quabbin Reservoir on Tuesday
Multiple sources begin reporting on Tuesday evening that a 42-year-old man from Newport was forced to land his airplane on a sandbar in the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin Reservoir is located in North Salem, Massachusetts. That man, who was not hurt in the emergency landing, has been identified by WPRI 12 as Guillaume de Ramel. de Ramel, an investor […]
Posted inNews
Providence Journal: Built by the Astors, Oakwood mansion in Newport sells for $4M
The Providence Journal reports that Oakwood, a mansion at 50 Narragansett Avenue in Newport, was sold on August 15th for $4 million. That real estate transaction is according to David Huberman of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty in Newport. Read More – Built by the Astors, Oakwood mansion in Newport sells for $4M
Posted inArts & Culture
Just In: Hall of Fame Musician Brenda Bennett Will Perform Friday Night in Newport
Two-time Rhode Island Hall of Fame musician Brenda Bennett will perform at The Well this Friday, August 26, 2106 at 7 p.m. With her early years spent performing with Ken Lyon & Tombstone, Bennett’s musical future was varied and exciting. During her 43 year career she toured with Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, The Bangles, The […]
Posted inCity & Government
FabNewport Gives Students The Opportunity to Gain ‘Control’ in Local Classrooms
Students are experiencing something new in local schools: control. At least, they are in Amie Shinego’s technology classroom at Thompson Middle School, thanks to her partnership with FabNewport, a nonprofit maker lab where students, educators, and community members of all ages tinker and create. FabNewport is creating a ripple effect across the state, having impacted […]
Posted inArts & Culture
55th Annual Cluny Country Fair Set to Take Place on September 25th
The old-fashioned, family- friendly Cluny Country Fair will take place on Sunday, 25 September, from 10am- 4pm on the school grounds at 75 Brenton Road. The Country Fair offers carnival games and prizes, hay rides, and field games, including a zip line, Velcro wall, bounce house, climbing wall and Knockerball. Visitors will be able to […]
Posted inNews
49 Cruise Ships Scheduled to Visit Newport Over The Next 10 Weeks
Although cruise ships started visiting Newport as early as April this year, the busiest time of the Newport “Cruise Ship Season” will be over the next 10 weeks. 44 cruise ships of all shapes and sizes are scheduled to visit Newport between August 25th – October 31st, with 35 larger ships anchoring in the harbor and tendering […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport’s KEEL Vodka is Now Available In a New Gluten-Free Formula
Earlier this Summer, Newport’s KEEL Vodka hit a major milestone after all three of its New England distributors sold out. Now back in stock, a new gluten free KEEL Vodka formula made from 100% Idaho potatoes arrives at the perfect time for avid consumers of the Newport, RI- based lifestyle vodka brand. “Our loyal fans […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Mama Leone’s Isn’t Sure When It Will Happen, But Says They Will Reopen
It’s been nearly 5 months since a car crashed through the front door of Mama Leone’s, forcing the popular family-owned restaurant to close for extensive renovations. Photo from crash on March 25, 2016 | Photo Credit: Melina Abney While many have questioned on Mama Leone’s Facebook Page whether the restaurant would ever reopen, the restaurant […]
Posted inCity & Government
Benches and Bike Racks Coming Soon to Broadway
Now that Broadway is back to two-way traffic, one of the next things for contractors to tackle to button up the Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project is the addition of benches and bike racks. Benches have been quite the controversial subject for local residents and business owners, many of them even petitioned to keep benches out […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Numbers Are In: More Than 24,000 Turned Out for 2016 Newport Jazz Festival
More Than 24,000 Jazz Lovers Turned Out For The 2016 Newport Jazz Festival More than 24,600 Jazz lovers – including a sold out audience on Saturday – turned out at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino July 29 – 31 for the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival® […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Movies On The Rocks’ at Ballard Park Will Wrap up 2016 Season on Wednesday With Free Screening of ‘Karate Kid’
Friends of Ballard Park will wrap up its 11th Annual MOVIES ON THE ROCKS series on Wednesday, August 24th with a screening of Karate Kid. Newport Martial Arts will provide a demonstration prior to the screening of Karate Kid. The demonstration will feature twelve students of all ranks – white through black belt – ranging […]
Posted inNews
Save The Bay Needs Volunteers For 2016 International Coastal Cleanup on September 17th
Community members needed for Sept 17 International Coastal Cleanup with Save The Bay Save The Bay is recruiting volunteers to serve as site leaders for its 2016 International Coastal Cleanup. In particular, the organization is looking for site leaders who can help identify and lead cleanups at small, neighborhood beaches, fishing areas, boat launches and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Cheryl Wheeler Will Kick-Off Common Fence Music’s 24th Season on September 17th
Once again Cheryl Wheeler, the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and stand-up comic who sits down, returns to Common Fence Music on Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m. to open the 24th Season. The performance will take place at Common Fence Music, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, R.I. Tickets are $35 both in advance and at the door. Advance tickets […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
37 Boats Complete 12th Edition of Ida Lewis Distance Race
The 12th edition of the Ida Lewis Distance Race concluded on Saturday, August 20 after 37 boats completed either a 121 nautical mile course (Doublehanded, PHRF Spinnaker and IRC classes) or a 107 nm course (Cruising Spinnaker) that started and finished off Newport, R.I. After almost 13 1/2 hours of racing, Steve Benjamin’s (Jamestown, R.I./South Norwalk, […]