Looking to do some last minute shopping or for a place to grab a bite? Here’s what’s up! Merry Christmas Eve! THINGS TO KNOW Midtown Oyster Bar is offering free gift wrapping from 11am until 5pm today. Grab a drink or lunch and have all those gifts wrapped.Newport Skating Center is closed today due to […]
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
Best Things To Do This Christmas Weekend In Newport
Happy Christmas weekend to you! Here’s what’s happening happening for events, entertainment, activities and things to do in and around Newport this weekend! Friday, December 25th Bars & Restaurants That Are Open Benjamin’s Raw Bar – Closed during the day. Opening at night.Busker’s – Open at 5pm. Live music with Tim Taylor & Friends from 10pm – […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurants and Bars Open on Christmas Day in Newport
Christmas Day in Newport, R.I, believe it or not, will be here before you know it. For some of you, the thought of cooking at home, traveling, or visiting the family is simply, out of the question! If you head out on Christmas Day, be sure to take care of those hard working staff! It doesn’t always […]
Posted inNews
Hundreds Sign Online Petition Asking St. George’s School to Take Action on Alleged Sexual Abuse
Nearly 500 people have signed a petition and letter started by SGS For Healing in response to The Boston Globe‘s December 15th article that brought attention to alleged sexual abuse at St. Georges School. READ MORE: St. George’s Lands on Front Cover of Boston Globe Today for Past Sexual Abuse Allegations The Change.org petition titled Our […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Non-Stop Solo Around the World Record For Joe Harris Comes To An End
U.S. short-handed sailor, Joe Harris departed Newport on November 15th at 09:18:24 for his attempt to break the non-stop solo Around the World Record for 40-foot monohulls. Harris is making the attempt in his Class 40, GryphonSolo2. The attempt will be made in accordance with the rules of the World Sailing Speed Record Council, who will time the start and […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society Will Offer All Newport County Residents Free Admission Twice in January
On December 16th, Preservation Society of Newport County CEO & Executive Director Trudy Coxe announced that residents of the City of Newport will continue to receive free admission to the Newport Mansions for calendar year 2016, extending an offer that began last June in celebration of the Preservation Society’s 70th anniversary. On “The Open Forum with Ryan Belmore” […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
2016 Newport Jazz Festival Continues Rolling Lineup Announcements
Over the last few weeks the Newport Jazz Festival has slowly been announcing who will take the stage on July 29-31 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Additional acts will be announced to the festival lineup through January 21 when all tickets go on sale. Date Announced, Artist […]
Posted inNews
Newport Monster Shark Tournament Plans on Moving to New Bedford in 2016
After just two years, the Newport Monster Shark Tournament has decided to merge with another tournament, depart Newport and head for New Bedford, MA. The announcement came on Newport Monster Shark Tournament’s Facebook Page on December 21st; “Ladies and gentlemen, it is our distinct pleasure to introduce, the upcoming premier shark tournament of 2016, The North […]
Posted inNews
DEM Acquires More Than 90 Acres on Prudence Island
(Photo via Google Maps) The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and Prudence Conservancy, announce the acquisition of nearly 93 acres of land on Prudence Island in Portsmouth. The acquisition of Eugene Chase Farm – known for its ecological and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Island Moving Company and Mother Goose Return to Rosecliff in February
Island Moving Co., Newport’s contemporary ballet company, restages its popular ballet for the very young, Mother Goose, at four matinees on February 26, 27 & 28th at Rosecliff. Rosecliff is at 548 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and are available at www.newportmansions.org. Perfect for the younger set, Island Moving Co.’s Mother […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport Official 2015 Holiday Card Announced
Thompson Middle School seventh-grader Eleni Cooper was selected as this year’s winner of the 8th Annual Newport Holiday Card Contest for her subtle and creative nod to the City. Upon first glance, Eleni’s design is a simple Christmas tree. But upon closer inspection, the tree is adorned with ornaments that serve as unique and artful homages […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport This Week: Best Events, Activities and Things To Do (Dec. 21 – 26)
Discover The Best Things To Do In Newport, RI This Week Christmas week is here, can you believe it? Seems like just yesterday that we were all making the most of the sunshine sessions out on the water and down on the beach. Whatever holiday you celebrate and in whatever way you celebrate it, the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport This Week: Live Music and Entertainment Listings (Dec. 21 – 24)
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Note: We’d say it’s safe to assume most nightlife that usually takes place on Thursday and Friday (Christmas Eve and Christmas) of each week is cancelled. Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street Wednesday: Open mic night with […]
Posted inNews
BankRI to Open New Branch in Middletown by Early 2016
By early 2016, residents and businesses across the East Bay will have a new option for their banking and financial needs when Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) opens its latest branch in Middletown. The office, which represents BankRI’s 20th branch, will be located at 132 East Main Road. “We are excited to have a presence in […]
Posted inNews
Newport, RI Headline News (December 21)
Get the latest Newport, RI news from What’sUpNewp.com! Here’s a roundup of the latest headlines that mention Newport, RI from local and national media. Newport, RI News Headlines Money To Come To RI To Prepare Students For Jobs (Talk Radio 920) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Give the Gift of Jazz: Discounted Flex Tickets for 2016 Newport Jazz Festival Now Available
Surprise someone with the Gift of Jazz – an unforgettable trip to the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival. To help with the surprise, the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ is offering flexible (Flex) tickets priced at just $59 for the holiday season. Kamasi Washington The Gift of Jazz comes with the music of Chick Corea, Angelique Kidjo, Kamasi Washington andTierney Sutton as well as […]
Posted inNews, Style & Shop
New Tenant Found to Fill Former Tropical Gangsters Space on Thames Street
After 35 years, the owners of Tropical Gangsters retired and closed their Thames Street store forever on November 15th, 2015. What’sUpNewp has learned that Rochelle’s of Newport will move from 433 Thames Street to fill some of the space left empty by Tropical Gangsters at 375 Thames Street in early 2016. It is unknown who will fill the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Slate of Speakers Announced for the Newport Art Museum’s 2016 Winter Speaker Series
(A full house enjoying a Winter Speaker Series lecture in the Ilgenfritz Gallery in 2015) The Newport Art Museum’s annual Winter Speaker Series returns Saturday, January 9 at 2pm for its 88th season. The series, themed Innovation, will include seven lectures on a variety of topics held Saturdays at 2pm, January 9 – February 20, in the Museum’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
25 Places To Find Entertainment This Weekend in Newport, RI (Dec. 18 – 20)
(Photo of The HonkyTonk Knights) Here’s what’s up for live music, comedy and entertainment in and around Newport, RI this weekend… Looking for more to do this weekend? Check this out – Best Things To Do This Weekend In Newport (Dec. 18 – 20) Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings December 18 – 20, 2015 […]
Posted inNews
Newport, RI News Headlines (Dec. 18)
Get the latest Newport news headlines from What’sUpNewp.com! Here’s a roundup of the latest headlines that mention Newport, RI from local and national media. Newport, RI News Headlines Tour 3 breathtaking homes in Newport, Rhode Island (SILIVE)Newport’s centuries-old Redwood Library to charge for admission (The Providence Journal) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Weekend In Newport (Dec. 18 – 20)
Here’s the best of what’s happening in and around Newport, RI this weekend! 1 – Live Improv Comedy (Dec. 18 & Dec. 19) RI’s most award winning comedy troupe hits the stage with fast paced, high energy improvisation on Friday night at 8pm and Saturday night at 8pm and 10pm. The shows are a lot […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
World Match Racing Tour to Visit Newport, RI in May 2016
(Photo: Ian Williams and his Team GAC Pindar secures a Tour Card fro next year © Henrik Ljungqvist | Info: Provided by Sail Newport) Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport has announced that the world’s best match racing sailors will compete in Newport, RI as part of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) in late May and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Chick Corea Will Celebrate 75th Birthday With a Performance at 2016 Newport Jazz Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival has announced Chick Corea has been added to their 2016 Newport Jazz Festival. Corea will be accompanied by Christian McBride and Brian Blade for two performances that will celebrate his 75th Birthday. The announcement came on Facebook on Thursday, December 17th; “Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome Chick Corea to the 2016 […]
Posted inNews
New Building Approved to Replace Carr-Rice Building on Trinity Church Campus
At the Historic District Commission meeting on December 15th, members formally heard the proposal for construction of a new building on the Trinity Church campus in place of Carr-Rice. Several members offered comments before the HDC voted unanimously to approve the proposal. The application approved the following; “Nov-12 Application of Trinity Church-Rector-et-als, 23 Mill Street, […]
Posted inNews
Newport, RI News Headlines (Dec. 17)
Get the latest Newport news headlines from What’sUpNewp.com! Here’s a roundup of the latest headlines that mention Newport, RI from local and national media. Newport, RI News Headlines Newport college bans hoverboards amid safety investigation (Projo)RI Supreme Court to hear appeals on Breakers battle (WPRI) [wp-rss-aggregator]