Think Big Partners and Microsoft are hosting a series of events Oct. 15-18 to educate startups and developers about how to use and build on the Microsoft Azure and Windows 8 platforms. The events will take place at bizperc (1800 Baltimore Ave.), the coworking space run by Think Big Partners, a Kansas City, Mo. startup accelerator and mentorship-based collaborative network.

The events are designed to get participants up to speed in advance of the Oct. 26 public release of Windows 8.

Things kick off with a cocktail reception from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 15. There, Microsoft representatives will answer questions and help participants load Azure and WIndows 8 onto their computers. Participants must bring laptops with the software installed to take part in events the next two days.

The schedule for Oct. 16 calls for instruction in building, deploying and managing applications across the Microsoft Azure platform.

On Oct. 17, participants will learn about building Windows 8 Metro style apps using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. Attendees will be educated on Windows 8 navigation, user experience patterns, inherent async design and integration.

Finally, on Oct. 18, people are invited to schedule office hours with Taylor Cowan, Microsoft’s director of startups.

Registration for the events is free and can be completed on their Eventbrite page. For additional information, see the Think Big Partners press release announcing the events.