Hi Ryan,
Star parties are usually held once a month around new moon time and you can find a list of what parties are happening in your area in the "Star Parties, Club and Community Events" forum
here.
There will be plenty of people only too happy to help you I'm sure.
IISAC astro camp which is a big event once a year was just on during the 11-13th April. Pity you missed it, I'm sure you would've had great fun.