The Democratic National Convention wrapped up with a bang last night, putting on a show featuring Kerry Washington, Pink and Eva Longoria — and Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech.

The big picture: The DNC was a rousing ratings success, and it went off without a hitch in Chicago, a city that has been preparing for over two years.

Here are five takeaways:

United Center had a packed house

Inside the United Center and McCormick Place, the DNC rebounded after Monday's tough start, which saw some buses stranded in protest traffic, leaving delegates to hoof it and stand in security lines for hours.

• After Monday, the arena and surrounding areas seemed to get logistics in order.
• On the final night, the building hit capacity as the fire marshal turned away late-arriving journalists, delegates and spectators.

Yes, but: Journalists complained about the lack of access to delegates and to the DNC floor, because convention staff roped off certain sections. Also, long lines and standing room only in the upper levels was not ideal for spectators.

Traffic wasn't too terrible

Imposing security fences and traffic restrictions were in place by last weekend, mostly around the luxury hotels on the Mag Mile and McCormick Place and near the United Center.

What happened: Most Chicagoans stayed home, and rush hours were not as rushed as usual.

Yes, but: Spontaneous street closings stranded people in standstill traffic at random times.

Weather wins

Take a bow, Chicago weather. We all know it could've been a lot worse.

More takeaways

Protests over the war in Gaza at this week's DNC were mostly peaceful — letting the city avoid a repeat of 56 years ago when riot police and anti-Vietnam War protesters clashed for days during the 1968 DNC.

The big picture: Months of pro-Palestinian protests stoked fears that the 2024 Democratic National Convention would result in violent demonstrations.

Reality check: The largest protests near the United Center this week were smaller than expected and largely peaceful.

• "I know a lot of people were hoping for a failure and that the Republicans were crossing their fingers hoping something terrible would happen," Illinois comptroller Susanna Mendoza said. "But that didn't happen because this is the greatest city in America."

Between the lines: A big difference between then and now is city leadership — activists and Mayor Brandon Johnson share similar stances on calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, compared with Mayor Richard J. Daley, who in 1968 unleashed riot police on protesters and was largely seen as ruling with an iron fist.

Yes, but: Groups like Behind Enemy Lines and CodePink have led actions at various DNC events, in neighborhoods and in the Loop, leading to dozens of arrests.

What a protester from 1968 is saying

The end of the DNC wraps up two years' worth of work by leaders like Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Oh, and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, too.

The big picture: Lightfoot was instrumental in landing the DNC and represented Chicago in an unofficial capacity this week.

What they're saying: "I personally worked very hard to make the case for why this convention should come here," the former mayor tells Axios.

• "Now seeing it happen? It's pretty fabulous."

State of play: This week she did convention analysis for CBS 2 Chicago and went viral this week for telling Republican VP candidate JD Vance to "STFU" on social media after Vance attacked Chicago's violent reputation.

• "I just think it's a dumb strategy, people can see right through it," Lightfoot said, referring to Republicans' attacks on Chicago. "This is where the innovation happens. ... Why are you attacking cities? It's just stupid."

The bottom line

🗣️ Former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and former Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger spoke on the DNC's final evening. (Axios)

🏈 During the Bears' preseason win in Kansas City last night, defensive back Douglas Coleman III was taken off the field on a stretcher after an apparent head injury. (Tribune)

🚔 A Chicago Police sergeant filed a complaint against another officer alleging the commander made "offensive, misogynistic, homophobic, and racist" comments about Palestinians. (Sun-Times)

🗓️ Upcoming events around the city.

The Chicago Porsche Convergence at 4300 N Knox Ave on August 24: Porsches will be lining our closed streets. Event highlights onsite including neighborhood dining and retail, the Checkeditout Store, Porsche Classic's Restoration Challenge and music from live DJs. Free.

Football Jersey Giveaway at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, August 24th: First 20,000 fans in attendance to the White Sox vs. Tigers game get a White Sox football jersey.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Celebrities hovered around Chicago this week, participating in various events and performances at the Democratic National Convention.

The big picture: Actor Chris Witaske is a recognizable face to most Chicagoans because of his roles on FX's "The Bear," Netflix's "Love" and "Chicago Party Aunt" and for performing with Second City.

State of play: Witaske is starring in a new role — surrogate for the Harris/Walz campaign.

What they're saying: "I think Kamala and Tim are awesome people with good characters and value," Witaske tells Axios.

• "Also, I truly believe that Donald Trump should not be leading this country."

Zoom in: Witaske, now living in L.A., was back in town as part of the Creative Coalition, an artistic group that lobbies for federal funding for the arts, free speech and education.

What's next

Even if Beyoncé didn't show up for the final day of the DNC, the city still showed out.

DJ Terry Hunter of the Chosen Few collective spun house mixes on the last night of the Into Action 2024 political art exhibition and performance space near the United Center.

Asian federal, state and municipal officials called AAPI LEAD celebrated yesterday over dim sum at Triple Crown in Chinatown as they coordinated their support for the first Asian American presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.

• "I'm totally stoked that someone from our community is going to be representing us at the highest level," Ald. Nicole Lee tells Axios. "I'm going to do everything I can to get her elected."

Walking to the United Center, attendees encountered protesters but also creative merch.

Last call: By 2am Monica was headed to see T-Pain until she heard about long lines and protests.

• Instead she got a few hours' sleep.