Hofbräu is nutty, but that's where you'll find other internationals..
Agree on the nutty aspect, but every tent is packed with internationals.
Hofbräu for me means the people who want to get rat arsed as quickly as possible, grope as many people as possible and get laid as quickly as possible. If you are a single girl or in a group of girls my advice would be to avoid the Hofbräu, you're not missing anything and you'll reduce your chances of having a shit time.
Incidentally, dunno if it's been posted already but the
SicherWiesn website has some useful info for wimmens.
Go to the Oktoberfest with friends and agree on a way home together.
Never go to the bathroom alone, even if it's a hassle.
Don't let boys or men whom you've just met accompany you home.
Even if someone buys you something, does not obligate you to return any sort of service.
If you drink alcohol, make sure it's only an amount with which you still are in control.
Don't leave your drink unattended (Someone could put drugs in it to make you lose your consciousness)
Make it clear when it's not fun anymore for you. A "Stop!" or "Enough!" makes it clear where your limits are.
Sometimes a comfortable funny situation only develops into an assault after a while. Here a "Stop!" is appropriate.
Often no one really responds to "Help!" or "Help me!". If you feel harassed or scared, address specific people directly and ask for help: "You with the red sweater….!"