Microsoft showing off Surface 2 with in-store shows

This past Monday Microsoft held a Surface event in New York City, unveiling the next-generation of its flagship tablet, which hits the market in late October, just after the Windows 8.1 launch. Now the software giant wants to get customers familiar with the upcoming product by holding a series of in-store shows.

"The team had so much fun showing off the new gear, they decided to hit the road to give you a chance to get hands on and meet some of the people behind the scenes of Surface", the team announces.

The show is not coming to every Microsoft store, but only visiting a select few, beginning September 30th in Seattle. Customers will have the opportunity to see Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 and all of the accessories up close and personal, get an opportunity to win prizes and meet some of the team members, including Panos Panay, the corporate VP of Surface.

Shows, beyond Seattle, include locations in California, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Florida, New York and more -- a complete schedule can be found here.

Surface 2 and its big brother Surface Pro 2 will be available October 22nd and will ship with Windows 8.1, which reintroduces the Start button, brings tighter SkyDrive integration and more.