Music, food and visiting with friends was the focus on Friday evening as the Downtown Beloit Association hosted its annual Street Dance on State Street.

Party planning experts say to send out invites at least 6 weeks in advance. That can give guests ample time to mark their social calendars — and prepare for the big bash. Read on for more tips.

Big names in dance music, like Philadelphia’s Rich Medina and Baltimore’s Karizma, have come through, but the party maintains a sense of intimacy. Capacity is capped at 135 people.

The Aug. 25 dark dance party theme was “Dark Aquatic,” bringing together vendors, a costume contest and a live art show. A portion of the proceeds went to Florida Springs Council, ...