The best place to find out about shows is InfoDog.com. On the left side click on "Show Information", then at the top of that page click on "Show Calendar".

I haven't read everyone's response so I'm not sure if this has been suggested already, but check on AKC's website to see if you have a local kennel club near you. That would be a really good place to meet the "show people" near you. Once the first of the year rolls around I plan on joining the one near me.