I must sound like a complete dumbass, but could you give me more info?
TechCrunch parties <- how do I get in on that?
YC/Startup parties <- ditto
Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs event <- this sounds great, but how did you hear about this?
Lean Startup meetup <- this looks great! I will definitely be at the next one. Thanks. :)
Techcrunch parties: by reading Techcrunch. I have been to CrunchUp party, Star Trek and Avatar screening.
YC/Startup parties: Some people I know RSVPed on Facebook. I also follow several Twitter accounts of YC founders.
Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs event: Saw it on Techcrunch. I applied and got in.
Mayfield Fund/First Capital Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs event (great event last night!)
Techcrunch parties
Google Technology Users Group
Startup School
HN meetup (There hasn't been one in a while)
YC/Startup parties (Heyzap, Remail, Vark the past few weeks)
Twitter API meetup
IPhone/Android Meetup
Startup Weekend
Google Campout
Google I/O
and so much more.
Some are paid but all are open to anybody.