Whether you’re looking for seafood, bacon, lobster, Italian, or maybe even more seafood, there’s plenty of opportunities to eat your way through August in Newport by participating in one, two or all of these great events… 1. Lobster Boil & Sunset Sail | August 12, 19 & 26 Enjoy a dockside New England Lobster Boil […]
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, Food & Drink
POLL: Where Is The Best Place To Go Dancing In Newport?
Some are big, some are small, some are restaurants, some are bars, some are clubs, but they all have at least one night where folks like to get down and dance. The What’sUpNewp Crew and many visitors want to know, where is the best place to go dancing in Newport? Take the poll. [socialpoll id=”2287376″]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina Selected by The Princeton Review as One of Top Colleges it Considers “Best in the Northeast.”
According to a Princeton Review survey that asked 136,000 students at 380 top colleges to rate their schools on dozens of topics and report on their campus experiences, Salve Regina University has been selected as one of 225 colleges it considers “Best in the Northeast.” The school at which students gave their professors the highest […]
Posted inNews
WATCH: Newport’s Pedicab Companies Team Up For ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
On August 5th, both of Newport’s Pedicab Companies, Newport Pedicab and Pirate Pedicab, teamed up to participate in the 2015 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. More than 20 local pedicabbers came together to not only show support for all those living and fighting ALS but also for one of their own, Bobby Forster. Forster has long […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Of Newport Earns First Ever “Tip Fee” Recycling Rebate
RI Resource Recovery Corporation recently announced that the City of Newport’s fiscal-year-based recycling rate has increased from 23% to 29% resulting in Newport’s first ever municipal “tip fee” rebate. Newport’s tip fee for fiscal year 2015 was reduced from $32 to $31 per ton, a savings of $6,544.33. In a press release Sharon Penny from […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Style & Shop
Country Star Jerrod Niemann Tips His Hat to Newport Folk Festival in New Song, ‘Blue Bandana’
Country star Jerrod Niemann recently released a new single titled “Blue Bandana“, not only has the single had the biggest impact on Niemann’s career but it also includes an ode to Newport and the Newport Folk Festival. Lyrics from the song include “She’s my Bonnaroo baby, she’s Coachella crazy, She’ll be folkin’ out in Newport, You’ve […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Style & Shop
6 Best Places for Oysters in Newport
Photo: Midtown Oyster Bar Oysters – they’re filter-feeders, bottom-dwellers, and just downright delicious. The What’sUpNewp Crew has got the lowdown on the top six oyster joints close to home and how much dough you should bring when you go. 1. Benjamin’s Old Benny’s never failed us before and they continue to knock our socks off every summer. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Three Newport Restaurant Loyalty Programs You Should Be A Member Of
Loyalty speaks volumes in a community as close as ours; that’s why several restaurants celebrate and reward their frequent diners. As member of one of these loyalty cards/programs, you’ll earn points on each dining or drinking occasion. You’ll also reap other endless rewards at each restaurant, sign up for them all and enjoy! 1. Brick […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Style & Shop
In Photos: Day 3 of 2015 Newport Jazz Festival
The 2015 Newport Jazz Festival wrapped up on Sunday, August 2nd, here’s a look at some of our favorite moments [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”8″ gal_title=”2015 Newport Jazz Festival Day 3″] The 2016 Newport Jazz Festival is scheduled for July 29, 30 and 21st!
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
American Athletic Conference Will Host Summer Kickoff and Media Day in Newport
The American Athletic Conference will host their Summer Kickoff and Media Day at the Hyatt Regency Newport on August 3rd and 4th. 33 student-athletes will join The American’s 12 head coaches for the first formal event of the 2015 football season. The American’s contingent includes 15 players who were named to the 2014 all-conference team, including […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Gulls to Host Playoffs Starting Monday at Cardines Field
Photo & Game Report via Newport Gulls After spending the morning clinching the NECBL Southern Division with a 3-1, 12-inning victory over the Ocean State Waves in the conclusion of a rain-suspended game, the Newport Gulls could not pick up a second victory in western Massachusetts in the nightcap. The Gulls (27-15) dropped their final […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Here’s What’s Happening on Day 3 of Newport Jazz Festival
Day #3 of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management will take place today at Fort Adams State Park. Gates will open at 10am this morning and music will begin at 11:05 a.m. on the Harbor Stage. Navy Band Northeast will entertain those waiting for the gates to open from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
In Photos: Day 2 of 2015 Newport Jazz Festival
Photo: George Wein by Ryan Belmore Here’s a look at day 2 of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival… [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”7″ gal_title=”2015 Newport Jazz Festival Day 2″] The 61st Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park will feature Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Jamie Cullum, Cassandra Wilson, Dr. John, Arturo Sandoval, Jack DeJohnette’s Made in […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Here’s What’s Happening on Day 2 of Newport Jazz Festival
Photo of Jon Batiste by Morgan Macia Day #2 of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management will take place today at Fort Adams State Park. Gates will open at 10am this morning and music will begin at 11:05 a.m. on the Harbor Stage. The 61st Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park will […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Gulls Fall To Mystic Schooners on Friday
Photo & Game Report via Newport Gulls Needing just two wins entering the week to clinch the Southern Division, the Newport Gulls were confident they’d have home field advantage come August. Instead, the Gulls (26-14) dropped their third game in a row, this one to the Mystic Schooners, 12-6. The Gulls scored first on a […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
In Photos: Day 1 of 2015 Newport Jazz Festival
Photo: George Wein by Ryan Belmore The 61st Newport Jazz Festival got underway today at Fort Adams State Park with the University of Rhode Island Newport Big Band opening the day and Snarky Puppy closing out the day. Friday of Newport Jazz Festival is dedicated to featuring young and emerging jazz artists, 15 talented and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Here’s What’s Happening on Day 1 of Newport Jazz Festival
Day #1 of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management will take place today at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall Of Fame. Gates will open at 10am this morning and music will begin at 11:05 a.m. on the Harbor Stage. The 61st Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park will […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Navy Band Northeast Brass Band Added to 2015 Newport Jazz Festival Experience
Photo by MU3 Natalie Beard Two of Newport’s most beloved and iconic organizations — the Newport Jazz Festival and the U.S. Navy – will unite during the 2015 Jazz Festival to greet Festival goers entering Fort Adams State Park. On Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, from 9:00 amto 10:15 am, Navy Band Northeast […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
13 Artists You Have to See at 2015 Newport Jazz Festival
Photo: Jon Batiste by Morgan Macia The 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management will take place this weekend at Fort Adams State Park. The 61st Newport Jazz Festival will feature Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Jamie Cullum, Cassandra Wilson, Dr. John, Arturo Sandoval, Jack DeJohnette’s Made in Chicago, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Ms. Lisa Fischer & […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Here’s What’s Happening on Day 4 of Newport BridgeFest
Photo: La Méchante et le Connard will perform at newportFilm’s event Rough Point tonight. Entering its 7th year, Newport BridgeFest is a local, live music and music education festival that “bridges” the gap between the prestigious Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals for a continuous 10 days of music in our community. 11 AM – 7 PM: […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Gulls Lose to Plymouth Pilgrims on Wednesday Night
Photo & Game Report via Newport Gulls Riding an eight-game winning streak, the Newport Gulls returned home for one of their last five games of the regular season Wednesday night. But the Gulls (26-12) could not capitalize on several scoring opportunities, falling to the Plymouth Pilgrims 3-2 at Cardines Field. The Pilgrims got on the […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Daily News: ‘It’s Never Too Early for Kraft to Down a Few Martinis”
Immediately following a press conference on Wednesday morning where Robert Kraft stated he regrets not appealing NFL penalties (from “deflategate”) against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, the official Twitter account for Newport Daily News Sports shared an interesting tweet. At 10:13 a.m. on July 29th @SportsNDN tweeted “It’s never too early for #Kraft to down […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Here’s What’s Happening on Day 3 of Newport BridgeFest
Entering its 7th year, Newport BridgeFest is a local, live music and music education festival that “bridges” the gap between the prestigious Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals for a continuous 10 days of music in our community. This year’s festival dates are Monday July 27 through Thursday July 30, 2015, here’s the full Newport BridgeFest […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Festivals Foundation Set to Host Free Family Friendly Concert on July 29
Join Newport Festivals Foundation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29th for their 3rd Annual Family Concert on the Parade Field inside Fort Adams State Park! Guests will enjoy hearing the sounds of folk music with Guy Davis with Mark Murphy and jazz with Eli Yamin Trio. In addition to the great music, face painting, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WATCH: ’65 Revisited Rehearsal of “Like A Rolling Stone”
’65 Revisited, the final set of the Newport Folk Festival weekend, was a tribute to one of the most iconic moments in music history, Bob Dylan going electric at Newport. See pictures and the setlist from ’65 Revisited and all of Newport Folk Festival weekend. In the video Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Taylor Goldsmith, Al Kooper, […]