The 2016 Newport Folk Festival is right around the corner and there are more events and after parties scheduled than ever before! The What’sUpNewp Crew has put together a list of all the official events (schedule of unofficial folk events to come) to keep your folkin’ weekend in official order, enjoy! We considered anything “official” […]
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 inThings To Do
Island Moving Company Will Perform ‘A Tale Of Hook And Pan’ On Board Oliver Hazard Perry
Island Moving Company Announces A New Production, Second Star To The Right: A Tale Of Hook And Pan Island Moving Co., Newport’s contemporary ballet company, presents a new site specific production, in the tradition of its renowned Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and the Company’s legendary Dracula at Belcourt Castle. In partnership with Newport’s new Tall Ship, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Collecting Trends Will Be Featured at 10th Anniversary Newport Antiques Show
There are many antique events across the country, but there are few that offer the opportunity to view and learn about the antiques from the country’s leading experts in one venue. The 2016 Newport Antiques Show offers this type of opportunity July 22nd – July 24th when over 40 dealers present a diverse selection of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Tourism Marketing Study Commission Will Meet in Newport on Friday
The Special Legislative Commission to Study Methods for Growing Tourism in the State of Rhode Island Through Coordinated Branding and Marketing Efforts will meet Friday at the Old Colony House in Newport. The meeting, open to the public, is scheduled Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Old Colony House, which […]
Posted inCity & Government
SafeWise Report: Newport Ranked 35th Safest City in Rhode Island
While Newport has made a habit of landing on the top of lists, the latest SafeWise Report ranks Newport at the absolute bottom for safety. While striving to provide the best in home security and safety resources, SafeWise delivers current, and relevant content to aid users in creating a safer, more secure home. According to […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for H. Albert Daniels
H. Albert “Al” Daniels, 85, of Portsmouth died Saturday, July 9, 2016, from cancer at Newport Hospital. Mr. Daniels was born on September 12, 1930 in Melrose, MA. He is the son of the late H. Albert, Sr. and the late Elizabeth S. (Rydell) Daniels. He was married to the late Alice P. (Kelly) Daniels […]
Posted inCity & Government
Petition Seeks to Keep Benches Out of Equality Park
Nearby residents and business owners are currently circulating a petition in opposition of the addition of benches in Equality Park. During the Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project construction and landscaping updates over the last year, benches in the park were removed. Proposed Amenities for “Park Zone” of Broadway Streetscape Project Local residents and business owners believe […]
Posted inNews
Island Moving Company Wins $10,000 Art Works Award
More Than $82 Million Awarded for Arts Projects Nationwide Includes $10,000 awarded to Island Moving Co. National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects and partnerships in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2016. Included in this announcement is an Art […]
Posted inNews
60+ Businesses Hiring in Newport Right Now | July 11
Looking for a job in Newport, RI? Here’s our weekly roundup of job opportunities that are currently available in and around Newport, RI. All jobs posted within the last 7 days; 22 Bowen’s – Line Cook – 22 Bowen’sABM On-Site – CleanerAccountTemps – Accounts Payable ClerkAquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria – Delivery Driver & Line Cooks (Middletown/Newport)BAE Systems – Program ManagerBank Newport – Branch […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week In and Around Newport | July 11 – 15
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. Ongoing 48th Annual Newport Music Festival – July 8 – 24, 2016, it continues the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and gala special events in the Gilded Age summer cottages of Newport. Enjoy 60 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Mary Ellen Schoenbucher
Mary Ellen (Russell) Schoenbucher, 77, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. She was the devoted wife of Paul E. Schoenbucher. Born on February 3, 1939 in Rutland, VT, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Mary (Collins) Russell. Mary Ellen […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Joyce L. Gardner
Joyce L. (Parris) Gardner, 63, of Marie Drive, Coventry, RI, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Kent Hospital in Warwick. She was the wife of Geoffrey Gardner. Born in Perrysburg, OH on February 14, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Norman D. and Illa-Mae (Brossia) Parris. She was a graduate of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Day 2 of Hall Of Fame Tennis Championships: Early Rounds & More
Today is day #2 of the 2016 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport. Tickets can be found HERE. Schedule Of Events 10:00 am – Doors Open11:00 am – Play Begins12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – USPTA Free Clinics2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – ATP Juniors Clinic Order Of Play For […]
Posted inThings To Do
Island Moving Co.’s Great Friends Dance Festival Opens This Week
Island Moving Co. presents its seventh annual Great Friends Dance Festival, taking place July 14-17 and July 19-23, 2016 at the Great Friends Meeting House in Newport, RI. Performances, which are unique each night, are at 7:30pm. Tickets to the performances are $28; $23 for seniors and students. Ticket prices include a donation to the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Teas & Javas Will Become ‘Local Mercantile Newport Café’
After several months of renovations, we know have a better plan of what will become of the building previously was used as Teas & Javas, People’s Cafe and People’s Credit Union. Local Mercantile Newport Café, or Local Mercantile Cafe, will soon open at 282 Thames Street and is “thoughtfully crafted dishes made by talented people”, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Day 1 of Hall Of Fame Tennis Championships: Family Fun Day and Qualifying Rounds
Today is day #1 of the 2016 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, today will include family activities, tennis clinics, arts and crafts, kids entertainment, museum scavenger hunts, qualifying matches and more! Tickets for the day are $7 for children, $15 for adults and free for […]
Posted inThings To Do
Bit Players and Firehouse Theater Make Available ‘Summer Season VIP Passes’
The Bit Players, Rhode Island’s most award-winning comedy troupe, has announced that they are now offering a special VIP pass for loyal fans that wish to attend multiple shows during their very busy summer season. This pass will grant the holder access to any of the listed shows at the Firehouse Theater this summer: one […]
Posted inCity & Government
Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project Change in Traffic Pattern Starting Monday, July 25th
On Monday, July 25th, Cardi Corporation is scheduled to begin work on the decorative crosswalks. Due to the nature of the work, a new traffic pattern will be established making Broadway one-way northbound from Marlborough Street to Gould Street and Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Boulevard one-way southbound from Equality Park Place to Marlborough Street (see […]
Posted inNews
Report: Middletown Native Being “Seriously Considered” to run as Trump’s Vice President
There are several reports coming in at this hour that Donald Trump “is seriously considering a retired general” for his Vice President running mate, the person being considered has very strong ties to Rhode Island. According to the Washington Post & MSN, Trump is considering tapping Retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn for the position. “After […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Songhoy Blues Forced to Cancel Appearance at 2016 Newport Folk Festival
Songhoy Blues have cancelled their debut appearance at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival, and all other festival appearance and club shows in the U.S. and Canada, due to medical reasons. Newport Folk Festival had announced that the band would perform at their on Saturday of the 2016 festival back on March 18th, the band is still listed as […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do This Weekend In and Around Newport (July 8 – 10)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. Weekend Highlights 48th Annual Newport Music Festival – July 8 – 24, 2016, it continues the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and gala special events in the Gilded Age summer cottages of Newport. Enjoy […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk Festival Releases 2016 Schedule and ‘Official Folk Handbook’
With just two weeks until the Newport Folk Festival, organizers of the sold-out event have updated their smartphone apps, released the ‘Official Folk Handbook’ and have released their 2016 lineup schedule. Official Folk Handbook From site map to schedules and what to bring to the Festival, Newport Folk Festival has it all laid out for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Weekend (July 8 – 10)
Discover the best entertainment, comedy and live music happening around Newport, RI this weekend. If you’re looking for events and other activities that are happening this weekend, check out – What To Do This Weekend In and Around Newport (July 8 – 10). If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting the venues in […]
Posted inThings To Do
Craft Brew Races Will Return to Fort Adams State Park on July 16th
On Saturday, July 16, the Craft Brew Races will return to Rhode Island for a 5k road race followed by a craft beer festival at historic Fort Adams State Park. The event was previously held in Newport in 2015 and attracted more than 1,500 participants. The Craft Brew Race consists of a 5k run or […]
Posted inNews
28 Open Houses This Weekend in Newport, Portsmouth & Middletown
Here’s our weekly roundup of open houses taking place on Aquidneck Island over the weekend, happy home shopping! Need real estate help or a reliable agent? E-mail us at Ryan@whatsupnewp.com, we’d be happy to put you in touch with a preferred and reliable real estate agent that can fulfill your needs. The following information has […]