Motorcycle enthusiasts browse bikes at the House of Harley on Layton Ave. during the 2011 Milwaukee Rally. Credit: Journal Sentinel files

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That rumble you hear is the sound of hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycles cruising into town for the 12th annual Milwaukee Rally beginning on Thursday.

The rally kicks off with Lynyrd Skynyrd performing at 8 p.m. at the Riverside Theater. The weekend also includes a look at Harley's 2013 models; a kickoff party for the 110th anniversary next year; live music and more. Many events are at area Harley-Davidson dealers; others are scattered around town.

Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St., are free and open to the public. They include:

Thursday, 5 p.m. until dark: The kickoff party for the 110th anniversary; the 2013 model launch; the largest Bike Night of the summer; and music from the Robert Allen Jr. Band.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: It's the first day of a two-day competition by professional bike builders; a fish fry and builder meet-and-greet and a Salute to Women Milwaukee Rally Ride.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Day 2 of the bike builder competition and displays from bike artists.

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Harley-Davidson hosts a custom bike show until 4 p.m.; live music includes Jackie Brown & the Boys (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Cold Sweat & the Brew City Horns (1:30 to 5 p.m.).

The rally includes a competition for riders to get pins at various participating bars from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in the E. North Ave. area and from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday on Water St.

There's also a pre-rally party scheduled for Quaker Steak & Lube, 4900 S. Moorland Road, New Berlin, on Wednesday.

See www.milwaukeerally.com for more information.

- Kathy Flanigan