Many shops that sell running shoes will also offer clinics, coaching, races, and other activities. Helps them build brand awareness and community. Of course, they're goal is to sell more product, but generally, the events that are co-hosted with manufacturers will be obvious.
Even if your local running shop doesn't host events themselves, they can almost certainly point you to a local running club which likely will host events.
That said, I'm not sure that a attending a clinic will be fruitful if you're a completely new runner. It might be better to get some good running shoes and run a bit on your own first. Get a feel for what you enjoy, hate, and what aches and pains you get over time. Then attend the clinic - you'll be more in-tune with your body and better able to communicate with the coach.
Just my $0.02 as a long-time casual runner. I do race, but not seriously. Currently, run twice a week - 7-8 miles on the weekend, and another 4-5 miler during the week. I cycle the other days.
The same groups typically organize running groups, training programs, etc.
