Positively hedonistic

With the holiday season over and done, both charitable giving and extra-boozy nightlife tend to slow down for the cold stretch of hibernation known as January in Chicago. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still be lushes for bleeding-heart causes when we do brave the outside world. Bank some good karma at these upcoming parties.

Dill Pickle Food Co-Op
Sat 19, AV-aerie
The ambitious AV-aerie has been all about charity in its bookings since its transformation from the Open End Gallery. This weekend, it hosts a concert fund-raiser for the Dill Pickle Food Co-Op, featuring several bands from 8 to 11:30pm, and DJs Bobby Conn and Mary Nisi from 11:30pm to 1am. See “Food fight.”.

Shine a Light
Jan 25, Lumen
The stylish Fulton Market spot Lumen dips its fingers into the philanthropic scene this month. Late-night revelers can sip on complimentary organic cucumber-and-ginger–infused cocktails and burn their own fossil fuel while shimmying on the eco-conscious dance floor. The $15 cover goes to m5, a nonprofit group that enables socially conscious artists to make work and fosters sustainability through design.

Peace Party
Feb 11, Danny’s Tavern
Push aside the hippies—not their ideals—and replace them with laid-back hipsters and you’ve got the Peace Party. Danny’s once again invites you to dance and drink a little extra, as a portion of your tab goes to this month’s cause, Iraq Veterans Against the War.

The Waltz
Mar 8, Metro
The Waltz, a communal concert in which local talents intermix with big names onstage, returns to the Metro for its fifth year. In the past the Waltz has raised more than $100,000 for Neon Street, a center for homeless youth. This year the charity hopes to raise funds to repair the shelter’s roof.