Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler: Hulaween 2025
By Mister D
Oct. 24, 2025
Bette Midler arrives at Hulaween 2025
Bette Midler and Jordan Roth
#BetteMidler greets #AndyCohen at #Hulaween2025
#BetteMidler with #BusyPhillips at #Hulaween2025
Hulaween 2025: Honoring Bette Midler and NYRP’s 30th Anniversary.
The New York Restoration Project (NYRP), founded by Bette Midler in 1995, held its annual Hulaween gala on Friday, October 24, 2025 (last night), celebrating 30 years of “cleaning and greening” New York City. The event, themed “New York, New York, a Helluva Town!”, took place from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Cipriani South Street in Manhattan. It raised funds to expand access to green spaces and nature’s benefits for underserved communities, a core mission of NYRP.
Bette Midler’s Role and Honor
As NYRP’s founder, Bette Midler was the evening’s centerpiece, receiving a special award for her “inspired leadership and unwavering commitment” to the organization’s work. Midler, known for her environmental advocacy alongside her entertainment career, used the occasion to reflect on three decades of impact—planting over 65,000 trees, restoring parks, and creating community gardens across NYC. In a post-event Instagram reel, she shared glimpses of the night, captioning it: “30 years cleaning and greening NYC! And it runs in the family.” Her presence underscored the event’s personal significance, blending celebrity glamour with grassroots activism.
Midler’s costume stole the show: She channeled her 2nd album, Bette Midler, complete with a dramatic headpiece shaped like a 45 RPM record of the album itself. Fans on X raved about the meta, iconic choice, with one calling it “so incredibly iconic. I love this woman” and another declaring obsession over “Bette Midler going as Bette Midler for Hulaween.”
Event Highlights
Hosts: Actress, author, and advocate Busy Philipps emceed the evening.
Honorees: Bette Midler (special founder’s award).
Andy Cohen (Emmy-winning TV host/producer; Joan Kors Green Champion honoree).
STUDIOS Architecture (Lifetime Achievement Award for Costume Design, recognizing urban greening contributions).
Performances: Nightlife acts: Jake Dupree, House of Yes, and Boyyyish.
A musical tribute to NYRP’s 30 years, led by Grammy-winning bassist Will Lee (of The Late Show with David Letterman), featuring Shoshana Bean, Sandra Bernhard, Christopher Cross, Ben Platt, and Marisha Wallace.
Other Features: An annual costume contest judged by Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth. Attendees were encouraged to dress in NYC-inspired looks, with a digital lookbook provided for ideas.
Notable Guests/Moments: Billy Crystal made a heartfelt appearance, as teased in Midler’s posts. The vibe was described as “spectacular performances, dazzling costumes, and unfettered revelry.”
The gala continues NYRP’s tradition of high-energy Halloween fundraisers, which have raised millions since 1995. Tickets started at $1,000, with tables up to $100,000 for top sponsors. For more on NYRP’s work or to donate, visit nyrp.org.Social media buzz is still rolling in today—search #Hulaween2025 or #NYRP on X/Instagram for fan photos and recaps. If you’re looking for specific photos, videos, or ticket info from past years, let me know!
