Austin Beer Week's Brewer Bash; Cider Week in New York City

AUSTIN— The iconic Alamo Drafthouse will host a preview event for the upcoming Austin Beer Week 2014, which officially kicks off October 24. The opening "Brewers Bash" takes place tomorrow, October 22, featuring specialty tappings by the likes of Real Ale Brewing, Independence Brewing Co., and (512) Brewing, among others. Entrance to the kick-off party is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Texas Craft Brewing Guild. More information and tickets here. [EaterWire]

NEW YORK CITY— Various restaurants and bars around New York City will celebrate the fourth-annual Cider Week NYC from October 24 to November 2. Restaurants like Hearth, the Queens Kickshaw, and DBGB will host cider harvest or pairing dinners, with additional ticketed events like cider and cheese pairings, cider-specific menus at Huerta, and a free cider-themed night market in Union Square. Check out the full schedule. [EaterWire]

VARIOUS LOCATIONS— The next season of Food Network Star — the show's eleventh — has announced a series of open casting calls seeking potential reality stars from Los Angeles to Atlanta. The first call is set for LA on Monday, October 27, and will visit Philadelphia, Denver, Austin, Miami, and New York City. More information here. [EaterWire]