Christmas In Newport, a city-wide celebration fostering the historic traditions of the holiday season, will kickoff their 45th season on Tuesday, December 1st. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed […]
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
Newport News Headlines (Nov. 30)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 30) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inNews
CYBER MONDAY DEAL: Buy One What’sUpNewp Card, Get One Free
The What’sUpNewp Card is an annual exclusive membership to curated experiences and exclusive discounts and opportunities across Newport County. Are you a business and interested in providing What’sUpNewp Card Holder offers? This is your chance to promote your business to an audience of highly social, active and engaged people who love Newport County. CLICK HERE CYBER MONDAY DEAL: […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Best Things To Do This Week in Newport (Nov. 30 – Dec. 5)
Photo: Singing For Shelter – Happening on December 3rd The Christmas and Holiday Season are in full swing now here in The City By The Sea. While there are countless holiday inspired events and activities taking place this week, there’s still plenty of other great events that make Newport so darn special. Here’s what’s happening […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Find Live Music, Karaoke and Trivia in Newport This Week (Nov. 30 – Dec. 3)
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Take a look at what’s happening around town this week -> The Best Things To Do This Week in Newport (Nov. 29 – Dec. 5) Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street Wednesday: Open mic night with Mike Warner […]
Posted inFood & Drink
UPDATE: Cafe Zelda Restaurant Sold, Will Close Temporarily on December 11th
This story was originally published on November 24th at 1:50 p.m. 2015 – The “Year Of Change” for the Newport Restaurant scene. What’sUpNewp has confirmed that plans are in place for the sale of Cafe Zelda, “The Best Little Cafe Between Bar Harbor and Key West”, and transfer of its liquor license to the new […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Skiathos Club will host a Holiday Pancake Breakfast Celebration on December 5th
The Newport Skiathos Club will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 5th from 9:30 to 11 am in the hall of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. In addition to pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit, the event will feature a performance by the Very Merry Dickens Carolers from 10 to 10:30 and a performance via Skype by the Women’s Society of […]
Posted inNews
Alex & Ani Founder Purchases 282 Thames Street for $2.9 Million
Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder of Alex & Ani, continues to grow her footprint in Newport, RI. According to What’sUpNewp sources, the entrepreneur has purchased 282 Thames Street, a building that currently houses one of her Teas & Javas locations. The property was formerly known as People’s Cafe and served as People’s Credit Union. The property was sold by […]
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Newport News Headlines (Nov. 29)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 29) [wp-rss-aggregator]
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6 Fun and Festive Things To Do In Newport Today (Nov. 29)
Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport today, enjoy! Sunday, November 29th Polar Express, The Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 20th through to Christmas. Trains depart each night at 4:30 and 6:30pm. On Saturday, December 5th, 12th, and […]
Posted inThings To Do
7 Fun Things To Do Today in Newport (Nov. 28)
Photo via Newport Historical Society of Newport Holiday Lantern Tour Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI today. Don’t forget that today is Small Business Saturday, get out of the house and support the small businesses that support the lovely city where you live, work and play! Saturday, […]
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Newport News Headlines (Nov. 28)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 28) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inNews
In Pictures: 2015 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade
The Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade returned on November 27th, more than 20 boats traveled along the harbor and competed for best decorate in various categories. Hundreds of people lined Newport Harbor to watch the boats motor by and join in on the holiday spirit. [View the story “2015 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade” on Storify]
Posted inThings To Do
Where to Find Santa in Newport This Christmas Season
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and even the elves from the North Pole are coming to The City By The Sea this Christmas Season, here’s where to find them! November 20th – December 25th Polar Express, The Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 20th […]
Posted inThings To Do
Gift Guide: The Hottest Newport Tickets to Give This Holiday Season
If you are looking for a special event to surprise your whole family with, or if you are looking for a great gift for someone that you hold near and dear, perhaps tickets to one of these great events coming in 2016, is just what you need. 1 – 2016 Newport Flower Show – “Gilded – […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Last Call For Flo’s: Middletown Location Will Close For Season on Sunday
Photo: Lisa at Flo’s via Flo’s Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown will close for the season on Sunday, November 29th. The location at 4 Wave Avenue will be closed until March 2016. Flo’s is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Thanksgiving week, catch your last $9.95 Prime Rib Friday of the year after 5pm […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Best Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (Nov. 27 – 29)
Hope you all had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving with your friends, family and loved ones. Christmas and the Holiday Season have arrived and it’s going to be a busy 5 weeks leading up to Christmas, remember to do all that you can to shop, dine and support all things local this holiday season! […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Music and Entertainment Listings (Nov. 27 – 29)
Here’s what’s up for live music, comedy and entertainment in and around Newport, RI this weekend… ICYMI: Here’s what’s happening this weekend – The Best Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (Nov. 27 – 29) Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings November 27 – 29, 2015 Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street | Phone: 401-846-5856 […]
Posted inThings To Do
7 Things To Do in Newport on Black Friday
Stay away from the malls, shop and stay local and enjoy these great events on Black Friday! Black Friday with Brick Alley & Bourbon County Stout, November 27 between 5-7pm. Brick Alley Pub will be tapping their latest Goose Island Bourbon County Stout at Plumby’s. This event is annually anticipated across the nation, but has become a Newport […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Bowen’s Wharf Block Party Promises to Fulfill Your Dining and Shopping Needs on Black Friday
This year’s countdown to Christmas kicks off November 27 with Bowen’s Wharf Holiday Block Party and the Annual Illuminated Boat Parade. All are invited to Bowen’s Wharf on Black Friday between 5pm – 8pm for their first annual Block Party, a free and family-friendly event. Bowens Wharf also offers exceptional views of the City of Newport’s Illuminated Boat Parade starting […]
Posted inNews
Morning News Headlines (Nov. 27)
Good Morning! Here’s a roundup of new headlines that have to do with what’s happening, new or to do in Newport, RI. Newport, RI Morning News Headlines After shark attack, RI surfer dreams of catching his next wave (PROJO) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Video Will Make You Fall in Love With the Newport Folk Festival All Over Again
The Newport Folk Festival, there’s just nothing else like it in Newport or anywhere out there. If you’ve been, then this video will certainly give you the goosebumps. If you’ve never been, we dare you to watch it and not want to be a part of this historic event. The video comes just in time […]
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Unprecedented Numbers of Local Families Asking for Help With Toys and Food This Holiday Season
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) is seeing an unprecedented numbers of families asking for help with toys and food this holiday season. Last year MLK Center provided gifts for 283 children. This year, they have 360 kids they need to provide for. MLK Center is also seeing a huge need to feed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2016 Newport Folk Festival Tickets Set to go on Sale on December 2nd
It’s arguable that there’s nothing better for the holidays than the gift of attending Newport Folk Festival. Newport Festivals Foundation announced earlier this week that tickets for the 2016 Newport Folk Festival will go on sale on December 2, 2015 at 10 a.m. “As many of you know we make 10% of our 3-Day tickets available at […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Where to Drink on Thanksgiving Night in Newport
Looking to get out of the house today and grab a drink with family or friends? Here’s what bars are open around Newport on Thanksgiving night. 22 Bowens – Open all dayBenjamins – Open Buskers – Open at 7pmClarke Cooke House – Open, serving food until 9pm.IYAC – Open at 6:30pmO’briens – Open at 8pmPour […]