Thanksgiving Tradition: Alice's Restaurant Airplay On Radio Stations Across America

Every Thanksgiving, radio stations across the United States play Arlo Guthrie's 1967 song Alice's Restaurant. The 18-minute song, based on a true story about littering and the Vietnam War, has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Americans. While some stations play it multiple times on Thanksgiving Day, others air it in the days leading up to the holiday. The song's popularity is attributed to its absurd yet relatable story, and its ability to evolve and take on new meanings for listeners over time.

Radio stations that play Alice's Restaurant before Thanksgiving

Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many radio stations across the United States. The 18-minute long song, based on a true story from 1965, has been played annually since it was pressed to vinyl in 1967.

Some radio stations play "Alice's Restaurant" multiple times in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, allowing fans to tune in at different times. For example, in 2020, KFJC 89.7 FM in Los Altos Hills, California, played an irreverent version on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, followed by a regular version the next morning. That same year, WYEP 91.3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, played it on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

The following is a list of radio stations that have played "Alice's Restaurant" in the days preceding Thanksgiving, according to sources from 2022 and 2023:

• WDIY 88.1 FM (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania)
• WESU 88.1 FM (Middletown, Connecticut)
• Angelica Community Radio WRAQ 92.7 FM (Angelica, New York)
• WTMT-FM 105.9 The Mountain (Asheville, North Carolina)

The tradition of playing "Alice's Restaurant" on Thanksgiving appears to be enduring, with many stations playing it annually.

Stations that play Alice's Restaurant in New York

There are several radio stations in New York that play Alice's Restaurant on Thanksgiving. Here is a list of stations that have played the song in previous years:

WRHQ 105.3 FM (Savannah, Georgia)

WRHQ 105.3 FM is a radio station that serves the Savannah, Georgia area. In previous years, they have played "Alice's Restaurant" three times on Thanksgiving Day: at 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 6:30 PM.

WGXC 90.7 FM (Acra, New York)

WGXC 90.7 FM, also known as Wave Farm, is based in Acra, New York. In addition to including "Alice's Restaurant" as part of their Thanksgiving morning show, they also aired an interview with Alice Brock from a few years ago in the evening.

WFUV 90.7 FM (Bronx, NY)

WFUV 90.7 FM is a radio station located in the Bronx, New York. They have played "Alice's Restaurant" as part of their Thanksgiving Feastival at 12:00 PM.

WYEP 91.3 FM (Pittsburgh, PA)

WYEP 91.3 FM is a radio station serving the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. In 2020, they played "Alice's Restaurant" on the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 1:00 PM.

While not based in New York, the following stations also serve parts of New York State and have played "Alice's Restaurant" in previous years:

WAMC Northeast Public Radio 90.3 FM and 1400 AM (Albany, NY)

WAMC Northeast Public Radio is a radio station based in Albany, New York. They have played "Alice's Restaurant" at 12:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, followed by an interview with Arlo Guthrie at 1:00 PM.

WEHM 92.9 FM and 96.9 FM (Water Mill, NY)

WEHM is a radio station broadcasting on 92.9 FM and 96.9 FM, serving the Water Mill area of New York. They have played "Alice's Restaurant" multiple times on Thanksgiving Day: at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.

Angelica Community Radio WRAQ 92.7 FM (Angelica, NY)

Angelica Community Radio WRAQ 92.7 FM is a community radio station based in Angelica, New York. They have played "Alice's Restaurant" the day before Thanksgiving at 9:00 AM.

WRUR 88.FM at the University of Rochester (Rochester, New York)

WRUR 88.FM is a radio station located at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. They have aired "Alice's Restaurant" at 11:30 AM on Thanksgiving Day.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and radio station schedules may change. It is always a good idea to check with your local stations or their websites for the most up-to-date information.

Stations that play Alice's Restaurant in California

If you're in California and want to listen to "Alice's Restaurant" this Thanksgiving, you're in luck! There are several radio stations across the state that will be playing the song. Here are some stations to tune into:

KPIG 107.5FM and KPYG 94.9 FM Cayucos/SLO (Freedom, California)

This station will be playing the full version of "Alice's Restaurant" at 9 am, 12 pm, 4 pm, and 9 pm on Thanksgiving Day. So, you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch it throughout the day.

KTYD 99.9 FM (Santa Barbara, CA)

This station is really embracing the "Alice's Restaurant" spirit! They will be playing the song five times on Thanksgiving Day: at 6 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm. So, whether you're an early bird or a night owl, you can join in on the tradition.

KOZT 95.3 FM/95.9 FM The Coast (Ft. Bragg, CA)

Tune into this station at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day to catch "Alice's Restaurant". They've played it in previous years, so it's become a tradition for them!

KSRW 92.5 FM Sierra Wave (Bishop, California)

Although this station won't be airing "Alice's Restaurant" on Thanksgiving Day itself, they are getting into the spirit by playing it on the days before and after. You can catch it on Monday, November 22, at 11 am, Wednesday, November 24, at 3 pm, and Friday, November 26, at 8 pm.

Rock Radio 559 (Porterville, California)

This station is keeping up with the Thanksgiving tradition of playing "Alice's Restaurant". Tune in at 12 noon and 7 pm on Thanksgiving Day to hear the song.

KTOJ 105.7 FM (Thousand Oaks, California)

This station will be airing "Alice's Restaurant" multiple times on Thanksgiving Day, at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. So, you'll have plenty of chances to listen!

So, there you have it! Several options for listening to "Alice's Restaurant" in California this Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out these stations and keep an ear out for this beloved holiday tradition.

Stations that play Alice's Restaurant in the Midwest

There are a number of radio stations in the Midwest that play 'Alice's Restaurant' on Thanksgiving.

In Minnesota, 92 KQRS has a long-standing tradition of playing 'Alice's Restaurant' on Thanksgiving. In 2023, they played it at 9 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. In previous years, they have played it at 9 am, 12 pm, and 7 pm.

In Michigan, WTTS 92.3 FM in Indianapolis plays 'Alice's Restaurant' four times on Thanksgiving Day: at 8 am, 12 pm, 4 pm, and 9 pm. WTHS 89.9 FM Hope College Radio in Holland also plays 'Alice's Restaurant' at 12 pm on Thanksgiving.

In Illinois, WYMG 100.5 FM in Springfield played 'Alice's Restaurant' in its entirety at 12 pm on Thanksgiving Day in 2022.

In Ohio, 107.5 The Breeze in Portsmouth plays 'Alice's Restaurant' at 9 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm on Thanksgiving. WLVQ 96.3 FM in Columbus plays 'Alice's Restaurant' at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm on Thanksgiving. WEBN 102.7 FM in Cincinnati also plays 'Alice's Restaurant' at 12 pm on Thanksgiving.

Stations that play Alice's Restaurant in the South

There are several radio stations in the South that play "Alice's Restaurant" on Thanksgiving. Here is a list of stations that have played the song in previous years:

North Carolina

• WZOO 99.9 FM (Central North Carolina) and 700 AM (Asheboro) and 106.1 FM (Greensboro)
• WTMT-FM 105.9 The Mountain (Asheville, North Carolina)
• WNCW 88.7 FM (Spindale, NC)

Virginia

WAFF 106.9 FM The Fox (Chesapeake, Virginia)

Tennessee

• WQUT 101.5 FM Tri-Cities Classic Rock (Tri-Cities, Tennessee)
• WDVX 89.9 FM (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Georgia

WRHQ 105.3 FM (Savannah, Georgia)

Alabama

WABF 1480 AM (Fairhope, Alabama)

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive and it is recommended to check with local stations for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions