Jon Batiste & Stay Human at 2015 Newport Jazz Festival Jon Batiste, who had a huge presence in Newport, RI this summer, will make his debut as the CBS Late Show bandleader tonight at 11:35 p.m. Batiste and his band Stay Human became the the first group to play at Fort Adams State Park for both […]
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
POLL: How Was The Summer Tourist Season For Your Business?
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, recently predicted a busy Labor Day Weekend and was optimistic about Fall Three key factors, he said, have led him to the projection. “First, occupancy rates have been at or near capacity throughout the summer. Specifically, Newport’s lodging tax was up 36.5% in July over the same time […]
Posted inNews
Newport Skating Center Could Return to Newport This Winter
What’sUpNewp has learned that there is possibility that the Newport Skating Center may return to Downtown Newport for the 2015/2016 skating season. Due to the September 2014 sale of the Newport Yachting Center, the home of the Newport Skating Center for 14 years, by Newport Harbor Corp. to the Peregrine Group there was no ice skating […]
Posted inNews
New Academic Center Provides Green Learning Opportunities at St. George’s School
Students at St. George’s School, located at 372 Purgatory Road in Middletown, R.I., return this fall to a state-of-the-art science facility, complete with several sustainable features, built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The project, which took 14 months to complete, was built to achieve LEED Gold certification. “It was a great pleasure to work with […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Newport Vineyards Announces Plans to Celebrate 20th Anniversary on September 27th
It has been 20 years since John and Paul Nunes acquired Vinland Wine Cellars from retiring Captain Alexander and established the Newport Vineyards brand! On the heels of the 20th Anniversary and following a multi-million dollar renovation, Newport Vineyards with host a 20th Anniversary Bash on Sunday, September 27th at 2pm. The event will include a Great Grape […]
Posted inThings To Do
10th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is Just Two Weeks Away
From September 25th through September 27th, three of Newport’s most beautiful historic mansions will be filled with visitors and vendors celebrating the 10th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, presented by The Preservation Society of Newport County and FOOD & WINE. Hundreds of wines from around the world will be poured, and a variety […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do in Newport, RI During The Last Two Weeks of Summer
Although pumpkin beer, football and hoodie weather will all be here before you know it, Summer doesn’t end until Autumn begins on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. Here’s 15 things to do before we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! 1 – newportFILM Outdoor Series | September 10 Catch newportfilm’s last free outdoor […]
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Huge Turnout For Final Weekend of Live Music on Atlantic Beach Club Patio
Atlantic Beach Club, an Aquidneck Island institution for decades, saw live music out on their patio come to a close over Labor Day Weekend. Hundreds of people showed up Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to celebrate the final few days of the live music on the patio, an end of an epic era. Some dedicated […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live Music and Entertainment in Newport, RI This Week | September 8 – 10
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Discover the best things to do this week with our look at the best events happening in Newport, RI this week. Listings: Entertainment & Live Music In Newport This Week Tuesday, September 8 – Thursday, September 10 Buskers Irish Pub […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week in Newport, RI | September 8 – 11
Now that we’re on the otherside of Labor Day, the Summer Of 2015 is unofficially over. Truth be told, Autumn doesn’t arrive until September 23rd and there’s still plenty to keep you busy, smiling and entertained in the City By The Sea! Don’t put those summer shades or your fun pants away just so soon, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things To Do on Labor Day in Newport, RI
Happy Labor Day! Here’s how to make the most out of the last day of this long holiday weekend… 1 – Closing Day For lululemon | lululemon athletica Newport Pop-up Shop will close up their pop-up shop on William Street on Monday. They will have treats and fun for those who visit all weekend. MORE INFO 2 […]
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Salve Regina to Celebrate Convocation, Officially Open 2015-2016 Academic Year
Barbara LoMonaco, Salve Regina’s new vice president for student affairs, will present the keynote address when the university community gathers on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to celebrate Convocation, an annual ceremony to welcome new students and officially open the academic year. Festivities will begin at 2 p.m. on the lawn of Wakehurst Student Center, Ochre Point […]
Posted inHistory
55 Years Ago, The Cowsills Were Formed in Newport
Back in the spring of 1965, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. The following is an excerpt from the history of the family and the band by […]
Posted inThings To Do
Volunteer Tour Guides Wanted as Newport Art Museum Launches New “Gallery Guide” Program
The Newport Art Museum is now accepting applications for its new “Gallery Guides” program. Gallery Guides will be dedicated volunteers who provide tours for visitors of all ages. The guides will be trained to use questions, conversation and factual content to engage visitors in positive, meaningful and relevant exploration of the Museum’s exhibitions, collection and architecture. Accepted candidates will go […]
Posted inNews
Five Newport Organizations Create a Comprehensive Master Plan for City of Newport’s Trees, Parks and Open Space
Five local organizations have created a partnership to develop a comprehensive master plan for trees, parks and open space in the City of Newport. Project leaders will seek public participation as the key element in planning a sustainable future for the public use and enjoyment of Newport’s invaluable environmental and recreational assets. The first […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Instagram Will Host an ‘InstaMeet’ in Newport, RI
Every year Instagram organizes Worldwide InstaMeet (WWIMs), which are essentially scaled-up instameets, where instagrammers get together and take photographs. Derek Hogan (www.instagram.com/iamderekhogan) and Arvind Ranganathan (www.instagram.com/rangarvind) are hosting World Wide Instameet 12 – Newport in Newport, Rhode Island on October 4th at 11am. Locations and more details to come. For more information visit and follow the […]
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Four Chances in September to Climb Miantonomi Tower in Miantonomi Park
On Sundays throughout the month of September, the Miantonomi Tower in Miantonomi Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. allowing visitors to climb to the highest point on Aquidneck Island. Beyond enjoying the spectacular view from the tower visitors will get a chance to explore the trails, wildlife and historic sites in […]
Posted inNews
Atlantic Beach, Easton’s Beach and Sandy Point Beach Re-Open To Swimming
Earlier this week, Easton’s Beach and Atlantic Beach were closed to swimming due to high bacteria counts. The following beaches have re-opened to swimming as of 10 a.m. on Friday, September 4th: Atlantic Beach in Middletown, Easton’s Beach in Newport, and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth. This recommendation is based on results from water samples […]
Posted inNews
Work to Begin on $46.3 Million Hotel at Newport Naval Station
The Korte Company, based out of St. Louis, will begin construction of the new, 7-story, 200 guest-room Navy Gateway Inns & Suites hotel at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA Newport). The 103,831-square-foot project also includes the construction of a 175-vehicle parking area on the adjacent Lawrence Field. When completed in April of 2017, the facility will be the […]
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Trot Nixon, Retired Red Sox Right Fielder to Speak in Newport
Trot Nixon, Former Red Sox Right Fielder Former Red Sox World Champion Right Fielder Trot Nixon and four-time X Games gold medalist Kevin Robinson (K-Rob) will speak at the New England Festival of Hope held at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trot’s wife and […]
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Discover Newport Predicts a Busy Upcoming Labor Day Weekend, Optimistic About Fall
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, predicts a busy upcoming Labor Day weekend throughout the region. Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol Counties, Rhode Island Three key factors, he said, have led him […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Labor Day Weekend Entertainment and Live Music Listings
Photo by Morgan Macia/Macia Photography Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this long Labor Day Weekend, enjoy! Don’t miss our look at 15 Best Things To Do This Weekend In Newport! Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings Friday, September 4th – Monday, September 7th, 2015 @ The Deck | 1 […]
Posted inThings To Do
15 Best Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend in Newport, RI
Featured Photo by Marial Maher/Visual Manor Hello Labor Day weekend, it is us Newp! The long weekend ahead is looking stellar. What’sUpNewp has the ultimate guide to keep you busy, entertained and smiling this Labor Day weekend. If you’re on your way to Newport, make those moves and hit the pedal faster. If you’re already in […]
Posted inNews
Newport Waterfront Events Looks at Moving to Providence Permanently
Newport Waterfront Events has already moved Oktoberfest to Providence in 2015. It has been almost one year since Newport Harbor Corp. sold the Newport Yachting Center and its property to the Peregrine Group, and Newport Waterfront Events still is without a permanent home and living in the unknown. Michele Maker Palmieri, who ran Newport Waterfront Events for […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
1772 Foundation Awards $40,000 Grant to IYRS School of Technology & Trades
The 1772 Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the IYRS School of Technology & Trades to support the expansion of its Newport campus. IYRS is fund raising for a new, 20,000 square foot building and associated program development needs, such as equipment, tools, and curricula. The building will allow IYRS to consolidate its two […]